College responds to NHS England's ADHD Taskforce report

RCGP responds to the ADHD Taskforce report published today, welcoming improved pathways across the health and care system for patients with ADHD symptoms whilst emphasising the need for adequate resources.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: “ADHD can have a profound and lifelong impact when it goes unrecognised or unsupported. This report understands that improving the care of patients with ADHD is a society-wide issue, and we are encouraged by its focus on improving early identification, timely access to assessment and treatment - including non-pharmacological approaches - and ongoing care.

“GPs are seeing growing numbers of patients seeking help for symptoms that may relate to ADHD, and we know that delays in care can be distressing for individuals and families. Patients with ADHD often have complex health needs, so we agree with the Taskforce that better coordination and improved pathways across the health and care system will be vital to improving ADHD care.

“Whilst the identification of potential ADHD is covered by the GP curriculum, this is an area of medicine that requires a holistic approach with specialist support in diagnosis, management, and prescribing. This needs a more integrated approach, particularly where patients may have more than one diagnosis.

“GPs already play a key role in caring for patients with ADHD by working with specialist colleagues under shared care agreements, and by providing ongoing monitoring and support for patients on waiting lists - some have taken on extended roles in neurodiversity. However, as GPs, we recognise that many patients require more support than is currently available - and if we are expected to fill this gap, there must be time to develop the appropriate expertise necessary, and this must be supported by dedicated funding, protected learning time and timely access to specialist services, such as mental health support and other relevant wraparound services. At present, the system does not consistently provide the integrated approach needed to deliver this safely - the move to neighbourhood health services could support this change, but would need to be adequately resourced.

“Implemented well, and with appropriate recognition of workload pressures and funding constraints in general practice, these reforms could help ensure that people with ADHD receive the safe and timely care they need, and that the clinicians who care for them are able to do so safely and sustainably. The RCGP is planning to develop educational resources for GPs on the care of patients with ADHD as part of our CPD offer, and has developed a framework for GPs who wish to pursue a special interest in this area.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.