ADHD medication shortage, life after being a carer and the benefits of keeping positive secrets

This Autumn, the UK has seen a shortage of life-altering medication for people living with ADHD. Many have found themselves completely out of pills and are now having to deal with symptoms which made life so tough prior to their diagnosis. Claudia Hammond hears about this challenging situation from Steph, who was only diagnosed with ADHD in August but experienced life-altering benefits after taking medication. Now having run out, she's struggling, and worries that even if she gets her prescription soon, this might happen again. Claudia hears what's caused this shortage from Martin Sawer, executive director of the UK Healthcare Distribution Association, and what people living with ADHD can do in the meantime from psychiatrist, Uthish Sreedaran.

Caring for a relative in the final months of their life can be challenging and all consuming. And once they pass away, the carer can be left not only feeling bereaved but without a purpose. Nick contacted [email protected] to explain how he struggled when he lost his wife following years of caring for her, and how - after a period of complete darkness - a new purpose emerged in his life.

Catherine Loveday, professor of cognitive neuroscience at the University of Westminster, joins Claudia in the studio to discuss how different people assume distinct roles when caring for a relative with dementia, why keeping positive news a secret might bring us benefits and your experiences of forgetting 2021...

Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Julia Ravey Studio Manager: Tim Heffer Editor: Holly Squire Production Co-ordinator: Siobhan Maguire