Improving healthcare information for young people with ADHD: perspectives from general practice.

Anna Price; Kieran Becker; Rebecca Gudka; Jane Smith; Faraz Mughal; G.J. Melendez-Torres; Emma Pitchforth; Tamsin Newlove-Delgado

doi:10.3399/BJGP.2024.0755

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ADHD, misinformation, and the need for verified voices
Katharine R. Russell

Published on: 07 May 2025

Published on: (7 May 2025)
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ADHD, misinformation, and the need for verified voices
Katharine R. Russell, Doctor, West Herts Teaching Hospital NHS Trust
I welcome the publication of "Improving healthcare information for young people with ADHD: perspectives from general practice"¹ and agree that this is an important and much-needed area of research. Many GPs see patients either diagnosed with ADHD or seeking a diagnosis, and I believe my colleagues will recognise this as a growing and common presentation.

In my experience, a significant number of patients—particularly young people—are turning to unverified online sources for information, including social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. While this reflects their preferred methods of engagement, it highlights the urgent need for accessible, evidence-based resources that are tailored to their needs and communication styles.

I also frequently encounter patients who are extremely frustrated with the long NHS waiting times and who subsequently seek private assessments.² This includes not only young people, but also adults in their 30s and 40s—often parents of children currently being assessed—who come to suspect they may also have ADHD. Many are unaware of the complexities that follow a private diagnosis, particularly when it comes to shared care and accessing medication through NHS services.³ Greater transparency about the diagnostic process, including realistic expectations around waiting times and treatment pathways, would be extremely helpful.

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I welcome the publication of "Improving healthcare information for young people with ADHD: perspectives from general practice"¹ and agree that this is an important and much-needed area of research. Many GPs see patients either diagnosed with ADHD or seeking a diagnosis, and I believe my colleagues will recognise this as a growing and common presentation.

In my experience, a significant number of patients—particularly young people—are turning to unverified online sources for information, including social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. While this reflects their preferred methods of engagement, it highlights the urgent need for accessible, evidence-based resources that are tailored to their needs and communication styles.

I also frequently encounter patients who are extremely frustrated with the long NHS waiting times and who subsequently seek private assessments.² This includes not only young people, but also adults in their 30s and 40s—often parents of children currently being assessed—who come to suspect they may also have ADHD. Many are unaware of the complexities that follow a private diagnosis, particularly when it comes to shared care and accessing medication through NHS services.³ Greater transparency about the diagnostic process, including realistic expectations around waiting times and treatment pathways, would be extremely helpful.

This paper rightly highlights the lack of accessible information for young people with ADHD. It is crucial that we co-produce resources with young people living with ADHD themselves to ensure relevance, usability, and effectiveness. The suggestions around using planners, 24/7 access, and varied formats to maintain engagement are particularly valuable. Information should be made available across the platforms young people already use—such as social media, YouTube, and podcasts—but through verified, trustworthy sources like the NHS.

References

1. Price A, Becker K, Gudka R et al. Improving healthcare information for young people with ADHD: perspectives from general practice. Br J Gen Pract 2025; BJGP.2024.0755. doi: 10.3399/BJGP.2024.0755. Epub ahead of print.
2. Khan, N. ADHD and the rise of private diagnosis. Br J Gen Pract 2023; 73(733):358-359. doi: 10.3399/bjgp23X734517.
3. NICE. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline NG87. 2019. Available at: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87.
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Competing Interests: None declared.