ADHD service improvement

Improving ADHD services in Scotland

Healthcare Improvement Scotland is keen to find out how recommendations made in 2008 have improved Attention deficit and hyperkinetic disorders (ADHD) services in Scotland.

We will be meeting with NHS board representatives to discuss implementation progress. Meetings will take place between April and May 2012 and will give us the opportunity to:

  • discuss changes made as a result of the Services over Scotland report
  • share innovative practice taking place at local level
  • capture barriers preventing full implementation

The outcomes of these meetings will be published in the summer of 2012.

Services over Scotland – a 2008 review

Healthcare Improvement Scotland and our predecessor NHS Quality Improvement Scotland have been  working to improve ADHD in children and young people since 2006. Our current work in this area is following up on the recommendations made in our 2008 ADHD - Services over Scotland Report.

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What is ADHD?

Attention deficit and hyperkinetic (or hyperactivity) disorders are among the most commonly diagnosed behavioural disorders in children and young people. The core features of ADHD are persistent and developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention and hyperactivity, often with impulsive behaviour.

Why is it important?

Children with ADHD are at risk of a range of other associated problems. These can include:

  • low self esteem
  • academic underachievement
  • poor peer relationships
  • disrupted family relationships
  • accidents, and
  • antisocial behaviour.

ADHD is also associated with an increased risk of other disorders for example, depression and anxiety. Early diagnosis and intervention is crucial for these children and young people.

How common is ADHD?

It is recognised that approximately 5% of the UK’s school age population have ADHD, a condition that is more common in boys than in girls. The point prevalence of the more severe form of ADHD (Hyperkinetic Disorder) is widely accepted as 1.5% within school-aged children in the UK. At least two thirds of children will continue to have ADHD symptoms through adolescence and, for some, symptoms will persist into adulthood.

For further information, please contact:

Catriona Macmillan, Project Officer on 0131 623 4601

Hana Barvik, Project Administrator on 0131 623 4311

Scrutiny