"Specialist ADHD services for adults in England are stopping taking on new patients as they struggle to cope with demand, a BBC investigation has shown. The BBC has identified 15 local areas that have closed waiting lists and another 31 that have introduced tighter criteria, making it more difficult to access support. Reacting to our investigation, Prof Anita Thapar, chair of NHS England's ADHD taskforce, said the findings were "disturbing", adding there were "enormous risks" for patients."
"It comes as she prepares to publish her report into the state of ADHD services on Thursday, which is expected to recommend an overhaul of the way people are supported. ADHD - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - affects the way the brain works and can cause people to act impulsively and become easily distracted. It is thought to affect 5% of children and 3-4% of adults, although many remain undiagnosed."
Specialist adult ADHD services across England are closing to new referrals or tightening access criteria because services are struggling to meet demand. Fifteen local areas have closed waiting lists and thirty-one have introduced exclusions such as age or severity; one trust limits adult assessments to people under 25 and faces legal challenge. Average waits can reach eight years once placed on a waiting list. ADHD affects attention, impulsivity, and activity levels and is estimated to affect about 5% of children and 3–4% of adults, with many adults remaining undiagnosed. Diagnosis and treatment can include medication and psychological therapy and can be life-changing.
Read at www.bbc.com
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