As the shortage of ADHD medications continues to persist, concerns are mounting that young patients may be forced to discontinue treatment, prompting urgent calls for the government to implement proactive measures.

On April 3, a public petition titled “Request for the Government’s Active Response to the Shortage of ADHD Medications Concerta and Medikinet” was posted on the National Assembly’s e-petition website. Within just five days, it garnered 11,591 signatures.

The petitioner, identified as Kim, who introduced herself as a parent raising a child with ADHD, stated, “Essential ADHD medications such as Concerta and Medikinet are out of stock in most hospitals, making it impossible to obtain them.” Kim added, “These are not just ordinary medications—they are vital for children to maintain their school life, build peer relationships, and carry out daily activities safely.”

She continued, “If ADHD medications are unavailable for weeks or even months, children can experience decreased concentration, emotional instability, learning delays, anxiety, and low self-esteem. This directly impacts their development and future, and can also infringe upon the learning rights of other students in the classroom.”

Kim further emphasized, “Each ADHD medication reacts differently depending on the child’s condition. If a child is suddenly taken off a medication they have adjusted to, it causes severe physical and emotional disruption.” She criticized the current response, saying, “Despite this, the shortage has dragged on for months, with no responsible solutions presented by pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, or health authorities.”

In response, Kim called for: an investigation and transparent disclosure of the causes of the ADHD medication shortage; active government intervention, including emergency imports and supply measures; and systemic improvements to ensure stable treatment access for children with ADHD and their caregivers.

The petition will remain open from April 3 to May 3. If it receives more than 50,000 signatures, it will be referred to the appropriate standing committee in the National Assembly for review.

Government has no clear supply plan beyond monitoring

As the ADHD medication shortage continues, lawmakers Rep. Kim Yoon of the Democratic Party of Korea and Rep. Han Ji-ah of the People Power Party issued statements last year highlighting repeated supply issues. They attributed the problem to the misuse of ADHD medications, which are often dubbed “study drugs,” and stressed the need for stricter oversight of off-label prescriptions of these controlled substances.

However, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), which oversees drug supply management, cited the rising number of ADHD patients in Korea—not misuse—as the primary cause of the shortage.

According to the MFDS, the amount of methylphenidate prescribed per person has remained relatively steady, but overall usage has increased significantly due to a surge in patient numbers over the past five years. The number of patients prescribed methylphenidate rose from around 134,000 in 2019 to approximately 338,000 in 2024—a 2.5-fold increase.

The MFDS explained, “The increase in ADHD diagnoses is partly due to the introduction of new diagnostic indicators in 2022 and clearer diagnostic standards. This is a global trend. Additionally, about 50 percent of children and adolescents with ADHD require continued treatment into adulthood, and improved access to psychiatric services has also contributed to the rising demand.”

In response, the MFDS added methylphenidate to its “Controlled Substance Misuse Prevention Measures” in September 2023 and has been monitoring high-risk medical institutions through its integrated drug control system. Misuse criteria include: prescriptions exceeding three months; off-label prescriptions (not for ADHD or narcolepsy); and prescriptions surpassing the approved maximum daily dose.

The MFDS also stated, “We are closely monitoring online content and continuing to take action against misleading advertisements, such as claims that these drugs enhance academic performance.”

However, despite this focus on preventing misuse, the MFDS has yet to offer any effective solutions to address the supply shortage itself. In fact, there are growing concerns that the enhanced regulations have made it even harder for narcolepsy patients—who previously relied on methylphenidate—to access their medication.

Currently, there are three methylphenidate-based ADHD medications approved in Korea: Concerta OROS Extended-Release Tablets (Janssen Korea), Medikinet Retard Capsules (Myungin Pharm), and Penid Tablets (Whanin Pharm). These products differ in formulation, dosage, and indications. Among them, Concerta and Medikinet are imported.

Additionally, in November 2023, Korea Pharma submitted an application to the MFDS for approval of Metidure, a once-daily ADHD medication. However, approval is still pending.

When asked about its plans to stabilize the supply of imported ADHD medications, the MFDS responded, “We will continue monitoring the supply situation and communicate with manufacturers to ensure treatment accessibility. If necessary, we will consider providing administrative support.”