Children with ADHD frequently use healthcare services before diagnosis

University courses Medicine & Psychology
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A recent study published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood reveals that children with ADHD are twice as likely to have frequent healthcare encounters, including GP visits, hospital admissions, and operations, compared to children without ADHD. The research, conducted by Dr. Vibhore Prasad and a team from the University of Nottingham and King’s, emphasises the importance of healthcare professionals considering potential ADHD diagnoses, especially when the primary reason for healthcare visits is not related to mental or behavioural symptoms.

Do you believe that early ADHD identification and intervention could significantly impact the health and well-being of these individuals?

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Definitely! My sister was diagnosed with ADD at the age of 20. If she had been diagnosed as a child, it could have significantly improved her performance in school!

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As someone diagnosed with it later in life, I truly believe that children should be diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent frequent visits to the GP and to establish a structured way of learning and behaving during class.