Health / ADHD support in Shetland requires ‘significant attention’
DELIVERING Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) support in Shetland continues to require “significant attention”.
A report presented to a meeting of Shetland’s integration joint board on Wednesday also highlighted that the team is working to “strengthen pathways and resources to meet this need”.
In the period between July and September, 49 new referrals were made in Shetland for ADHD.
In this time 121 patients were seen for ADHD.
Meanwhile across the mental health service just over 300 referrals were made during the period.
Earlier this year it was revealed that more than 300 adults were on the waiting list for ADHD diagnosis.
It is believed that more than 350 adults are currently on the waiting list.
The NHS describes ADHD as a group of behavioural symptoms that can include difficulty concentrating and paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Some people with ADHD – which the NHS can provide medication for – have issues with inattentiveness, but not with hyperactivity or impulsiveness.
Scottish minister for drugs and alcohol policy and sport Maree Todd said at NHS Shetland’s annual review earlier this year that the increased demand, which has in part been attributed to increased awareness and less stigma, is mirrored nationally and is putting a strain on services across Scotland.
Last year NHS Shetland said demand for ADHD assessments had doubled in the last two years, with more children being referred since the end of the Covid pandemic.
In November last year the health board said adult patients were waiting 14 months on average to be assessed.
More information on ADHD can be found on the NHS website.
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