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MEDTECH Clinicians and other mental health professionals will also receive an update on the shortage, recent FDA warnings in stimulant labels, and measures to control the rising demand at Dr. Greg Mattingly’s Psych Congress 2023 presentation, “Navigating the Stimulant Crisis.”
The ongoing shortage of stimulants used to treat ADHD is reaching a critical point, affecting both clinicians and patients alike. Dr. Greg Mattingly, a leading expert in the field, provides insights into the crisis and offers alternative treatment strategies for healthcare providers.
HCN Medical Memo
For clinicians managing patients with ADHD, the current stimulant shortage demands immediate attention and proactive strategies. Consider discussing alternative treatments, such as long-acting medications or non-stimulants, with your patients. The shortage presents not just a challenge but an opportunity to reevaluate and optimize treatment plans for better patient outcomes.
Key Points:
- Nationwide Shortage: The US is experiencing a severe shortage in ADHD medications, affecting children, adolescents, and adults.
- Perfect Storm: Increased ADHD diagnoses, especially in adults and women, coupled with the stressors of COVID-19, have led to unprecedented demand.
- FDA Limitations: Regulatory caps on stimulant production have exacerbated the shortage, as manufacturers limit their output to avoid oversupplying the market.
- Physician Perspective: Dr. Greg Mattingly advises clinicians to consider transitioning patients from short-acting to long-acting medications or even non-stimulants, which are more readily available.
“So proactively work with your patient, think about transitions to take them off of those short-acting stimulants and find long-acting options that are available, and always consider non-stimulants for your patients.”
– Greg Mattingly, MD, Associate Clinical Professor at Washington University in St. Louis and President of the Midwest Research Group
Additional Points:
- Psych Congress 2023: Dr. Mattingly will further discuss this issue in his upcoming session, “Navigating the Stimulant Crisis.”
- Alternative Treatments: Non-stimulant options have faced fewer shortages and may be a viable alternative for some patients.
- Digital and Social Factors: The digital age and societal stressors have also contributed to the increasing number of ADHD diagnoses.
More on Stimulants and Drug Shortages
