This podcast discusses the challenges of ADHD in the workplace, including medication shortages. It offers strategies for managers to support employees with ADHD, emphasizes the importance of open communication, and highlights the benefits of Access to Work and compassionate management.
ADHD can make it difficult for individuals to thrive in the workplace, but they can also contribute unique skills like out-of-the-box thinking and multitasking.
Shortages of ADHD medication have left many individuals without their medication, leading to a return of ADHD symptoms and difficulties in regulating emotions, making decisions, and concentration.
Deep dives
The Impact of ADHD on Work
ADHD affects millions of adults and can make it difficult to thrive in the workplace due to symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and difficulty dealing with stress. These challenges can vary and may include difficulties with meeting deadlines, interpersonal relationships, and staying focused during meetings. However, people with ADHD can also contribute unique skills like out-of-the-box thinking and multitasking. It is important for employers to provide opportunities and reasonable adjustments to support individuals with ADHD in showcasing their talents.
Shortages of ADHD Medication
Shortages of ADHD medication have been affecting patients in the US and the UK due to manufacturing and supply chain issues. While the exact causes are complex, factors include limited NHS clinical priorities for adult ADHD, production difficulties, licensing issues, and a significant increase in the number of people being assessed and treated for ADHD. The shortages have left many individuals without their medication, leading to a return of ADHD symptoms and difficulties in regulating emotions, making decisions, and concentration.
Supporting Individuals with ADHD
In the absence of medication, there are strategies and support options that can help individuals with ADHD minimize the impact on their work. These include maintaining regular exercise, avoiding alcohol, establishing routines, and seeking support from friends, family, or access to work programs. Access to work grants in the UK provide additional support, such as ADHD coaching and training, as well as assistance with specialized software, equipment, and workplace adjustments. Managers can offer compassion, remind employees of their value, and encourage the use of support programs to help individuals navigate these challenges.
Millions of working adults struggle with ADHD worldwide. The condition often affects people’s ability to focus and complete tasks, making professional life difficult. Shortages of ADHD medicines have compounded the problem, with some patients forced to go without, or ration, their medication. How can managers better understand employees who are struggling with ADHD? What adjustments can they make to improve working conditions? And what can workers themselves do to cope? Host Isabel Berwick speaks to Dr Uthish Sreedaran, clinical director for psychiatry at Psychiatry-UK, and Leanne Maskell, founder and director of ADHD Works, which provides ADHD training and coaching.