Researchers in West Country warning patients with ADHD are missing GP appointments
Patients with ADHD are 60-90 percent more likely to miss appointments
New figures from the University of Bath show patients with ADHD are 60-90 percent more likely to miss doctor appointments.
The new study, in collaboration with universities in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Copenhagen, analysed data from 136 GP practices.
Researchers are warning missed appointments can have consequences for society as a whole.
They found that for children and adolescents with recorded ADHD, 21 percent missed at least one face to face appointment annually, compared to 10 percent of people without ADHD, and 8 percent missed two or more annually.
In adults, 38 percent missed at least one appointment annually, versus 23 percent without ADHD, and 16 per cent missed two or more.
They are hoping the study will lead to more awareness of the challenges facing the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
"Red flag"
Professor David Ellis, from the University of Bath’s School of Management, said:
“Missed appointments can have short and long-term consequences for society as a whole, but crucially we know multiple misses are a red flag for poor patient outcomes.
"It can mean missed opportunities for providing care where it is often most needed.
“Our study showed patients with ADHD have higher rates of both mental and physical health problems than those without the condition, so multiple missed appointments will take their toll.
"Missing appointments may also be playing a role in delayed diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.”
ADHD is relatively common, with an estimated prevalence of 2-5 percent of the population, but is often not diagnosed formally.