This project is led by Blandine French.

ADHD is underdiagnosed in the UK and the process of accessing care is complex and variable.

The care pathway usually involves General practitioners (GPs) referring people to secondary care for a diagnosis and access to care. It is therefore essential that GPs have a clear understanding of ADHD and associated care pathways in order to provide optimal care for patients. In a first instance, this project sought to investigates the gaps and barriers in GPs’ understanding of ADHD. These findings facilitated the development of an online psycho-education program tailored for GPs. The second aim was to evaluate the efficiency and usability of this program.
This project included four studies using mixed methodologies. These studies highlighted barriers in relation to the lack of training on ADHD, strong stigmas attached to ADHD and complex pathways to care. The development of a psychoeducational program aimed to address these issues. Preliminary findings have highlighted that GPs strongly engaged and valued the program, and believed it will positively impact their practice. GPs’ knowledge also improved following participation in the program.
GPs’ knowledge of ADHD was improved by the development of an online psycho-education program resulting in increased understanding of the pathways to care and reduced stigma. Lack of identification and recognition of ADHD in GPs can be mediated by GPs participation in a short 60 minute online course, positively impacting patient’s wellbeing and mental health.