Ensure ADHD diagnosis/care from GP’s is improved, available & consistent in UK · petition

What the petition asks

GPs must be well educated in ADHD and how it presents. Where patients complain of anxiety, overwhelm, depression, fatigue that ADHD be considered as a possible diagnosis and that at the same time the patient is given the Mental health diagnostic check list form that the ADHD form is presented also.

At present the diagnostic screening and care from GPS is not only a postcode but also a GP lottery -many GPs still don’t believe ADHD is a “real” thing. It is imperative that GPs understand ADHD & its Co-morbidities. Late/undiagnosed ADHD patients are routinely diagnosed with mood disorders such as bipolar/anxiety/depression with most being prescribed antidepressants for years sometimes decades for mental health conditions brought on by undiagnosed ADHD. ADHD is a disability which needs attention

Why it was rejected

It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.

We can only accept petitions about things the Government or Parliament are directly responsible for.

Decisions about training for doctors are a matter for the NHS and relevant professional bodies, not the Government or House of Commons.

Similarly, decisions about care for individual patients, including when to assess the mental health of a patient, are a clinical matter for individual GPs.

If you are concerned about the service you have received from the NHS, you could complain about this: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/how-to-complain-to-the-nhs/

We have published the following petitions, which you might like to sign:

Increase NHS Funding for Research and Treatment of Adult ADHD And Autism: Increase NHS Funding for Research and Treatment of Adult ADHD And Autism

Fund Improved Diagnosis Pathways For Neurodivergence: Fund Improved Diagnosis Pathways For Neurodivergence

Timeline

7 May 2023	Petition opened for signatures
10 May 2023	Rejected by the Petitions Committee