Health inequalities are being exacerbated by barriers to setting up the required agreements for prescribing ADHD medication, especially for young adults, research suggests.
A survey by the University of Exeter found wide variations in ‘shared care’ agreements between GPs and adult mental health services were having an impact on prescribing ADHD medication. These agreements, recommended by NICE guidelines, ensure that GPs have the necessary support and oversight to provide ongoing treatment for ADHD.
However, the survey suggests that such agreements can be hard to set up, leaving GPs reluctant to prescribe ADHD medication due to concerns over insurance and liability.
The issue is particularly acute when young people transition from child to adult services, leaving many without access to essential treatment during a critical period in their lives.
Researchers warned that the current system has resulted in a postcode lottery and failing many young adults who suddenly find themselves unable to access treatment because services do not link up effectively.
Furthermore, more than 40% of survey respondents reported waiting times of two years or more for an appointment with adult mental health services. This leaves GPs with the responsibility for providing care, but without the support they need to offer the best care for patients.
This can result in removing access to medication despite the treatment having been successful during childhood.
The survey also highlighted the disparities in access to ADHD treatment were particularly affecting underserved groups like young women and those leaving care, further exacerbating health inequalities.
Dr Anna Price, senior research fellow at the University of Exeter, said the findings highlighted ‘the need for a coordinated approach’.
‘We know that failing to treat ADHD can have a huge impact.
‘Turning 18 is often a crucial and sensitive time in life, and our research shows that lack of treatment at this time can be particularly damaging for young people who are learning to self-manage their health needs, at the same time as perhaps sitting important exams, leaving home for the first time, and embarking on careers or university study,’ she said.
She added: ‘GPs and other primary care professionals really need better support so that they can provide shared care prescribing of ADHD medication in line with UK guidelines.’
The research, part of the University of Exeter’s MAP research project, surveyed more than 750 people from across the country – including commissioners, healthcare professionals working in primary care, and people with lived experience of ADHD.
In March, NHS England announced the establishment of a cross-sector ADHD task force and a review of ADHD services. In June, the first director for mental health and neurodiversity was appointed.
University of Exeter experts have recently established a Science of ADHD and Neurodevelopment collaboration, working with healthcare providers and people who are experts by experience.
The collaboration aims to develop solutions, such as curated digital interventions and standardised shared care agreement templates, to help people with ADHD.
The MAP research project is funded by National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
