Leaflets and materials

General information

About the Addison's Disease Self Help Group

The story of our charity: from it's humble beginnings in 1984, led by the passion, drive and insight of our founder, Deana Kenward, to the impactful and well-respected organisation it has developed into. Understand our work and how we can support those with Addison's and adrenal insufficiency.

What are Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency?

This leaflet covers the causes of Addison's and adrenal insufficiency, the role of the adrenal glands and essential steroid hormones, and the effect that these conditions can have on day-to-day life. Give this leaflet to those around you is a great way of educating them about the things that affect you. The language is purposefully straight forward and it is intended to be an introduction rather than an 'everything you need to know' leaflet.

When an employee has Addison's disease or adrenal insufficiency

Written to help those of you who are newly diagnosed to explain your condition to your employer, or for anyone with adrenal insufficiency who is moving to a new job, or perhaps has a new boss.

Fasting with adrenal insufficiency

Authored by Dr Shazia Hussein, and endorsed by the Society for Endocrinology, this patient leaflet gives tips on reducing the risks of becoming unwell if you decide to fast, and when it's advisable not to fast. It also offers alternatives to those who are considered too high-risk for fasting.

Managing Adrenal Insufficiency, including Addison's Disease, during Secondary School

A comprehensive 45 page booklet (A4) for students, families and school, to help navigate life at secondary school with a diagnosis of Addison's or another type of adrenal insufficiency.

Support to manage your condition

Managing your Addison's and adrenal insufficiency

A summary of the key points everyone with adrenal insufficiency, including Addison's, needs to know about how to manage their health; to be aware, be prepared and be understood. Equally applicable whether you are recently diagnosed or an 'expert patient'. Written by the ADSHG, in collaboration with our Clinical Advisory Panel, and noting the 2024 NICE Guidelines for the Identification and Management of Adrenal Insufficiency.

Steroid Emergency Cards

An alternative to the NHS Steroid Emergency Card; our fold out design includes adrenal crisis treatment guidelines as well as giving you space for your personal medical details - all in one place.

Medical summary

An easy way for you to record the medications you are currently taking, so you can easily show others during appointments, or as a guide for family and friends. Also used by healthcare professionals when medical records are unavailable and your medications need to be known.

Adrenal Insufficiency Action Plan

This on-the-go awareness item displays your key health information in one handy document, as well as clear explanations about what you need to do to optimally manage your condition, using a traffic light system. Green = daily medication, Amber = Sick Day Rules and Red = Adrenal Crisis management.

How to give an emergency injection - leaflets for your kit

Step-by-step photo instructions for giving an emergency injection using hydrocortisone sodium succinate for injection (to be used with water)

Understanding Steroid Medication & Sick Day Rules

An 18-page leaflet explaining the importance of your time-critical replacement medication regime, and how to manage 'updosing' when you are under physical or severe emotional stress

Information to share with your healthcare team

Surgical Guidelines

An explanation of what level of extra medication and monitoring you will need in the event of minor or major surgery.

Notes for Ward Nurses

For when you may be an inpatient, for you to give to your ward based nursing team, to let them know about your adrenal insufficiency, time-critical medicaion, and risk of adrenal crisis.

Notes for Primary Care and A&E Nurses

A leaflet for your GP practice nurses, or for you to take if you have to attend A&E, to support them to better understand your adrenal insufficiency, time-critical medication, and risk of adrenal crisis.

GP Leaflet: Diagnosis & care of the adrenal insufficiency patient

An overview of all types of adrenal insufficiency and a focus on the role of the GP in diagnosis, patient support, medication management and preventing adrenal crisis through patient education.

Adrenal Crisis Guidelines

Adrenal Crisis emergency medical treatment guidance for ambulance and hospital staff. Ideally get your GP or endocrinologist to sign this 'form' to verify your condition.

Consultation Reference Guide

A guide, developed by the ADSHG and Society for Endocrinology, to help prompt you and your endocrine specialist on key points to cover during your review appointments