Overview
- England’s ADHD Taskforce urges all GPs to develop core competencies to recognise ADHD and to carry out initial screening before referral.
- The recommendations include funding for GPs who take on prescribing, access to specialist advice, and a new GP contract to pay for training.
- NHS England estimates nearly 2.5 million people in England are likely to have ADHD, including about 741,000 aged 5 to 24.
- BBC freedom of information data show mounting pressure on access, with 15 local areas closing adult ADHD waiting lists and 31 tightening criteria.
- The RCGP offers conditional support, saying safe expansion into primary care needs dedicated funding, protected learning time and timely specialist services, as the taskforce also backs youth wellness hubs and expanded school-based support.