Adult ADHD | Diagnosing and supporting adults with ADHD
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and is a neurological condition affecting children and adults. Although there is plenty of research on how ADHD presents itself, how it affects adults and effective treatments for ADHD, many people are still under-diagnosed and undertreated. Specialised ADHD clinical services are sparse in most parts of the world, including Europe and the UK, so PHL Group is proud to provide a specialised ADHD service to the Isle of Wight.
The PHL Group ADHD Service was launched in December 2020, we have taken over 350 referrals for people aged 17 and older who live on the Isle of Wight. Our nurse-led service has been able to help many adults by using remote technology to triage, assess, treat, and monitor their condition to meet the growing demand for specialist ADHD services.
It is widely recognised that there are challenges nationally in the area of adult ADHD and it has been a privilege for PHL to be involved in delivering care to address this need. ADHD is a complex condition that can significantly impact every aspect of a person’s life, especially for those reaching adulthood without it being recognised, so diagnosis and treatment can be life-changing.
Prevalence of ADHD in adults is estimated at 3-4% in the UK, and although we cannot definitively say what causes it, we do know that it is a complex interplay of many factors including genetics and environment. Although in the past there has been a typical idea of what ADHD looks like, each experience is different, and it is far more than just the core symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. ADHD also affects a wide range of people; our youngest patient is 17 years old, and the oldest is 66. Of the patients referred so far, 54.4% have been female, and 45.6% are male.
“[PHL Group] demonstrated a fantastic way of validating [the patient’s] experiences and lots of unconditional positive regard, thank you.”
– Isle of Wight Healthcare Professional
Patients are referred from the Arthur Webster Clinic on the Isle of Wight, if they are diagnosed as having ADHD, one of our clinicians will discuss treatment options and recommend which may be best for that individual. Our team will provide patients with information to ensure they understand how ADHD might affect them, and the details of the medication they are prescribed if they chose that treatment option.
“Medication titration was always a joint decision. There were pros and cons to all and these were always explained to me. When I really wasn’t getting on with one of the medications it was reviewed and changed quickly.”
– PHL Group ADHD Service Patient
Not all patients are referred to our ADHD service and diagnosed, and we feel it is important to prepare the patient for this outcome. Many people will do their research before a clinical assessment, and they may identify with some of the symptoms classified online. It is important to remember that a lot of people show traits commonly associated with ADHD, such as struggling to concentrate or hyperactivity, however, this does not necessarily mean they have ADHD. If a patient is concerned about one or more traits linked to ADHD but does not receive a diagnosis, we recommend speaking to a GP as there may be other causes of such traits.
Patient Feedback:
“The service made me realise and accept a condition I’ve long lived with and gave me informative solutions that have resulted in me feeling like I’ve finally found the answers to the questions I’ve continually asked myself.” – PHL Group ADHD Service Patient
“The whole process has been completely life-changing. Having spent my whole life not understanding the way I feel or cope with things, receiving the diagnosis and medication was like putting glasses on for the first time. Life makes sense!” – PHL Group ADHD Service Patient