Post by jeff on Sept 7, 2009 15:07:56 GMT
7th September, 2009
Rt Hon Theresa May MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
Dear Ms May,
I am writing concerning what appears to me to be a significant shortfall in this country of the assessment and treatment of adults with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
I have recently been assessed for dyslexia, and because of an extreme deficiency of working memory which the tests uncovered it was suggested that I consider ADHD as a possible explanation for some of the problems I have been experiencing. I was told that I should try and get a referral to a specialist medic from my GP, but this is proving incredibly difficult, and from doing research online and reading internet forums, it seems that my situation is far from unique. All across the country people are finding it near-impossible to be seen by appropriate specialists, are being misdiagnosed, or, once diagnosed, are finding the systems in place for treatment wholly inadequate. I urge you to read the ADHD NICE Guidelines, which for the first time this year contain recommendations for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Although ADHD is a condition most commonly associated with childhood, population surveys estimate the prevalence of ADHD in adults to be between 3 and 4% (Faraone & Biederman, 2005; Kessler et al., 2006), and can be severely harmful for the person affected. It leads to impairments in major life activities, including social relations, education, family functioning, occupational functioning, self-sufficiency, and adherence to social rules, norms, and laws.
ADHD is characterized by an inability to concentrate, chronic procrastination and sluggish mental processing. Adults with ADHD commonly report a history of erratic academic performance and often underachieve academically compared with the expectations and achievements of their family. There is an increased level of substance use disorders among individuals with ADHD. Early onset and persistent antisocial behaviour is commonly associated with ADHD. Untreated ADHD in adulthood can also lead to coexisting conditions including personality disorders (particularly antisocial and borderline), bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and, to a lesser extent, psychotic disorders.
Despite the seriousness of the condition and its prevalence, in this country, opportunities for assessment and treatment are ridiculously limited. There are very few specialist services in the NHS. (The Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, for example, only offer services for children with ADHD, there is not even a mention of ADHD affecting adults on their website). Perhaps most shockingly, in the UK, no medication intended for the treatment of ADHD is currently licensed for use with adults, despite being considered safe and effective for children (p.34, NICE Guidelines), and despite being suggested by the NICE Guidelines as the first stage of treatment for any adult diagnosed with the disorder.
Hi. I've just written a sort of rough letter to my MP. She's a Conservtive front-bencher.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theresa_May
I've basically just said what a serious condition ADHD can be, and how bad the situation is at the moment. Is it all pretty clear? Anything I should add?
The other thing is that I feel like I should be asking her to do something. Like write to the Secretary of State for Health? What else could I ask her to do?
(Also point out any typos or anything please!)
Thanks.
Jeff.