ADHD in Kent and Medway
Download (PDF 970.69 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Kent and Healthwatch Medway wanted to give a platform to the experiences of people in Kent and Medway with ADHD. It uses unsolicited feedback around ADHD, and triangulates the local picture alongside the national picture, highlighting the challenges people face when accessing ADHD care in Kent and Medway. The findings suggest that the experience within primary care is a key area for local focus to inform how local health and social care services and the ADHD pathway adopt national care guidance.
The experiences of 133 Kent and Medway residents were explored, and the report identifies three main themes: Information and Support, Assessment waiting times and Medication. Each of these issues often has a compounding effect on other issues.
The need for Information and Support runs through all stages of ADHD care. A reported lack of information is having a negative impact on people’s overall experience of ADHD services and their general quality of life.
Currently there are no non-pharmacological treatments specifically for ADHD commonly offered by the NHS but many people find comfort in the validation a diagnosis brings. The validation does not change their symptoms, but awareness of information resources can help teach people coping strategies.
Long wait-times for ADHD assessments are compounded by little information and support while waiting and poor communication from assessment providers. For some, this wait is extended by delayed GP referral or initial refusal of the GP to make an assessment referral.
After diagnosis, people have access to more support for their ADHD symptoms from the NHS, the main one being medication. While not everyone chooses to take ADHD medication, those that do take medication often find it extremely useful for helping them manage their ADHD symptoms and the negative effect they have on their life. However, people who desire to use medication have faced lengthy waits between diagnosis and titration.
Once titrated, people also experience delays in receiving medication reviews that help them manage their dose and grant them repeat prescriptions.