There is a shortage of drugs for a popular disorder in Poland, and the ministry does not see a problem. “I am desperate”
Poland is struggling with a crisis of ADHD medication shortages. Medikinet and Concerta are disappearing from pharmacies, and patients are helpless. We asked the Ministry of Health about the reasons for this situation.
In recent months, Poland has faced a crisis that affects thousands of patients: there is a shortage of ADHD medications. Medikinet and Concerta, key for many people struggling with this disorder, are quickly disappearing from pharmacy shelves and are not returning for a long time. What does this mean for patients and what are the reasons for this?
ADHD is a neurobiological disorder that manifests itself in problems with concentration, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Medikinet and Concerta are stimulants that help regulate dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which in turn improves concentration and impulse control. Patients with ADHD praise them highly because they feel a great improvement in their well-being and concentration after taking them. The problem is that these drugs are notoriously lacking in Polish pharmacies.
Why is there a shortage of ADHD medications in Poland?
The active ingredient in these medications is methylphenidate, which acts as a central nervous system stimulant. It works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve concentration, reduce impulsivity, and control hyperactivity. It is often compared to amphetamine for its stimulating properties, but in appropriate therapeutic doses, it significantly improves the functioning of people with ADHD.
This is not just an ordinary “focus pill” – it is the key to normal functioning for many people.
Living with ADHD is a daily challenge. People with this disorder have to struggle with difficulties in concentration and time management. At work or at school, where long-term concentration is required, ADHD can be a real nuisance. In addition, there are problems in personal life – misunderstandings and frustrations in relationships with people.
Anna, the mother of 10-year-old Kuba, who struggles with ADHD, told me about the difficulties in obtaining medication.
“The lack of medication has significantly worsened my son’s condition. He has become more impulsive and finds it difficult to concentrate on his studies. Problems at school have started, teachers have reported that Kuba is distracted, does not listen to instructions, and his grades have started to drop drastically. Every day I see him struggling, trying to sit still for even a few minutes. I am desperate because I know that medication could help him lead a normal life, but the lack of it in pharmacies makes me feel helpless,” says the mother of a 10-year-old suffering from ADHD.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of ADHD diagnoses, not only among children but also adults. The increase in awareness of the condition and better diagnostic methods have resulted in more and more adults receiving a diagnosis and starting treatment. This increased demand is also related to the fact that treatment centers and clinics have begun to publicize the occurrence of ADHD among adults, which has led to more and more people reporting for tests and receiving a positive diagnosis. As a result, the demand for medication has increased significantly.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, the number of patients diagnosed with ADHD in Poland has increased by 30% over the past five years. During the same period, the availability of drugs such as Medikinet and Concerta decreased by 15%. Shortages in pharmacies were bound to occur, but the question is: is the Ministry of Health aware of this and does it intend to do anything about it? We asked this question and received an answer that does not entirely dispel doubts on this topic.
