The independent ADHD Taskforce has urged for GPs to be further trained in addressing ADHD as waiting lists continue to grow across the country.
The taskforce published its final report on Thursday, 6 November, which assessed services across health, education, employment, and the criminal justice system in relation to those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
It noted that ADHD services are under significant pressure to cope with the number of cases, leading to long wait times for diagnosis and treatment.
These long wait times can have a negative impact on outcomes and lead to young people, who are most affected by ADHD, encountering problems with school, employment, and the law.
The report said that given how common ADHD is in the United Kingdom, there is an urgent need for all GPs to be better trained in recognising and supporting the condition.
It recommended that ADHD be treated like other common conditions to help address the many cases in the country and reduce waiting lists.
According to estimates from NHS England, there are around 2.5 million people in England with ADHD, including those who do not have a diagnosis.
The taskforce recommended a number of interventions to improve ADHD services across England, many of which require collaboration with government.
These included early support for young people in schools, stronger collaboration between government departments to deliver better coordinated support for people with ADHD and for digital tools to be made available to ADHD services, allowing them to work more efficiently with patients.
“I want to thank everyone on the ADHD Taskforce, especially those with personal experience of ADHD, for this important work,” said Health Minister Zubir Ahmed.
“Too many are waiting too long to get the ADHD assessment and help they need, which can have a huge impact on their working life, social life, and wellbeing.”
“We’re working across government to prioritise early intervention and provide support for people who need it most as part of our 10 Year Health Plan,” he said.
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