How Can Primary Care Better Support Young Adults with ADHD?

What you need to know

• This study aims to improve primary care services for young adults (aged 16-25) with ADHD in England.
• The researchers will map current practices, explore experiences and needs, and develop guidance to enhance care.
• The study involves surveys, interviews, and collaborative workshops with healthcare professionals, young people with ADHD, and other stakeholders.

Background on ADHD and Healthcare Challenges

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects about 5% of children and adolescents worldwide. While some people outgrow ADHD symptoms, up to 40% continue to experience challenges into adulthood.

Young adults with ADHD often face difficulties in various aspects of life, including:

• Physical and mental health
• Education and work
• Relationships
• Interactions with the criminal justice system

Proper treatment can help reduce these risks and improve outcomes. However, many young adults with ADHD struggle to access appropriate care, especially when transitioning from child to adult services.

The Role of Primary Care

In the UK, primary care providers like general practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in supporting young people with ADHD. They are often responsible for:

• Referring patients to specialist services
• Monitoring symptoms
• Prescribing and managing medications

However, many primary care providers feel unsure about how to best support patients with ADHD. They may have concerns about prescribing medications or lack access to evidence-based guidance.

Challenges in the Current System

The researchers identified several issues in the current healthcare system for young adults with ADHD:

• Variation in available services across different areas
• Long waiting times for specialist care
• Lack of adult ADHD services in some regions
• Unclear eligibility criteria for services
• Inconsistent prescribing practices
• Limited confidence among GPs in managing ADHD

These challenges can lead to inequalities in access to care and put additional pressure on primary care providers.

Study Aims and Methods

This research project, called the MAP study (Managing young people with ADHD in Primary care), aims to address these issues by:

1. Mapping current primary care practices for young adults with ADHD across England
2. Exploring the needs and experiences of both healthcare providers and young people with ADHD
3. Developing evidence-based guidance to improve primary care services

The study will use a mixed-methods approach, including:

• An online survey of healthcare professionals, people with ADHD, and service commissioners
• In-depth interviews or focus groups with young people with ADHD and primary care professionals
• Collaborative workshops to develop practical guidance based on the research findings

Importance of Collaboration

A key feature of this study is its emphasis on collaboration and co-production. The researchers will work closely with:

• Young people with ADHD and their supporters
• Healthcare professionals
• Service commissioners
• ADHD advocacy organizations

This collaborative approach ensures that the research addresses real-world needs and produces practical, useful guidance for improving care.

Potential Outcomes and Benefits

By the end of the study, the researchers aim to produce:

• A map showing variations in ADHD care across England
• Insights into the experiences and needs of both healthcare providers and young people with ADHD
• Co-produced guidance on how to improve primary care services for young adults with ADHD

These outcomes could help:

• Reduce inequalities in access to care
• Improve the confidence and skills of primary care providers in managing ADHD
• Enhance the quality of care and support for young adults with ADHD

Conclusions

• This study addresses an important gap in understanding how primary care can better support young adults with ADHD.
• By involving a wide range of stakeholders, the research aims to produce practical, relevant guidance.
• The findings could lead to significant improvements in healthcare services for an often underserved population of young adults with ADHD.