Delays to ADHD diagnosis putting children at risk, report warns
UK experts have warned of serious mental health damage from delays in spotting attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.
A Lifetime Lost, or A Lifetime Saved report, developed by a panel of experts, revealed 28% of children with ADHD can wait two or more years before receiving a diagnosis.
If it is ignored ADHD can lead to school exclusion and increased risk of anxiety and depression through to self-harm and even suicide, the report revealed.
ADHD is a life spanning disorder present in just over 300,000 children in the UK — or on average one child in every classroom.
Over half of those surveyed for the report felt it wasn’t taken seriously by GPs, specialists and school staff.
Dr Tony Lloyd, chief executive of The ADHD Foundation, said: “Children who display signs of ADHD will have a number of indicators as they are growing up, frustration at not being able to remember what they are learning in school.
“Early diagnosis and treatment is proven to reduce anxiety and the risk of depression and other mental health problems later in childhood.”
21- year- old student Lewie Damarel was diagnosed with ADHD at 17, after struggling at school for 10 years.
Lewie said: “Before, I would think I was just being stupid and get annoyed with myself when I couldn’t concentrate. I would have huge amounts of energy but couldn’t do anything with it.
“If I had been diagnosed earlier I would have done better at school, instead of just being told by teachers to ‘pay more attention’.”
The ADHD Foundation has called on the Government, the NHS and schools to review current mental health policies to ensure children with ADHD across the UK reach their potential.
