Examining the effects of prescription stimulant shortages on children's health outcomes

Prescription Stimulant Supply Shocks: Assessing the Impacts on Health Outcomes and Disparities

NIH-funded research Rand Corporation · NIH-11022038

This study looks at how the shortage of prescription medications like Adderall affects kids with ADHD, focusing on how it impacts their health and school performance, so we can better understand the challenges they face during these tough times.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRand Corporation NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Santa Monica, United States)
Project IDNIH-11022038 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how shortages of prescription stimulants, particularly Adderall, affect children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). By analyzing national prescription data and claims data from Medicaid enrollees, the study aims to understand the health and behavioral impacts of these shortages on youth. The research will focus on the consequences of treatment interruptions, including increased emergency department visits and disruptions in school performance. The findings will help identify the specific challenges faced by vulnerable populations during these shortages.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have been diagnosed with ADHD and rely on prescription stimulant medications.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have ADHD or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved policies and practices that ensure consistent access to essential medications for children with ADHD.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited rigorous evidence on the impacts of drug shortages, similar studies have highlighted significant consequences of medication access issues on vulnerable populations.

Where this research is happening

Santa Monica, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.