June 18, 2024The ADHD medication shortage just got worse.That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which warned of likely ADHD treatment disruptions for thousands of Americans after two executives from Done, the telehealth provider, were arrested last week for alleged health care fraud.
The CDC estimates that up to 50,000 patients who rely on Done or similar subscription-based telehealth platforms for ADHD medication may be impacted, plunging into crisis a system already massively strained by a two-year drug shortage.The Department of Justice accuses Done of conspiring to illegally distribute Adderall and other stimulants for financial gain.
It claims that Done pressured employees to prescribe the drugs to users even if they did not meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD and discouraged prescribers from following up with users after initial consultations, among other practices that allegedly allowed for “easy access” to stimulants.In a statement, Done rejected the DOJ’s accusations and claimed it would continue to operate and work to ensure that its patients do not lose access to mental health care. “During these current proceedings, Done continues normal operations and is doing everything we can to ensure stable care for our patients,” reads part of the statement.The CDC’s advisory warned of the far-reaching risks of untreated ADHD — risks that ADDitude readers know too well, especially amid ongoing shortages.