Diverse group of ADHD specialists identifies key challenges facing providers, patients and families, and solutions for improving quality of care

The ADHD Expert Consortium, a group of ADHD experts comprised of psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, neuropsychologists and patient advocates, has issued a consensus statement detailing needed improvements for the future of ADHD care in the United States. The ADHD Expert Consortium met in Dallas, Texas, earlier this year to discuss key issues facing providers, patients and key stakeholders.

ADHD, while a common condition, is still highly misunderstood within and outside of the medical community. It is a complex diagnosis, as symptoms present differently among genders, it frequently occurs alongside other mental and developmental health conditions, and there are various stigmas and cultural biases that must be combatted in order for patients to receive the diagnosis and treatment needed.

Experts in the ADHD Expert Consortium advocate for the utilization of objective ADHD testing measures for more confident diagnosis and treatment of both adults and children.

“We are concerned about the lack of standardization and coverage in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Even among providers who frequently treat ADHD, there is a lack of understanding about the intersection between culture and ADHD presentation and management,” says Theresa Cerulli, M.D., Neuropsychiatrist, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “We believe inequity will continue unless we formulate universal best practices for screening, referral, treatment and monitoring of ADHD. In my 20 years as a neuropsychiatric specialist, I’ve continued to witness both under-diagnosis and over-diagnosis of ADHD. We absolutely need a more objective, standardized approach for this complex condition. We cannot appropriately treat what we cannot see."

The Consortium outlined five key calls to action to advance ADHD care:

1. Better education, rooted in equity, of medical residents and practitioners in pediatrics, neurology, psychiatry, and primary care for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD
2. Improve insurance coverage for evidence-based ADHD evaluation and treatment
3. Make evidence-based, objective testing the standard of care for ADHD in children and adults
4. Leverage, expand and update existing ADHD screening in children to be more universal, across disciplines and improve awareness
5. Develop adult ADHD diagnostic and treatment guidelines in the U.S.

“If we maintain the status quo, children and adults with ADHD will continue to face obstacles, both evident and invisible, in their daily lives,” says Tony Doyle, Commercial Director, Qbtech. “Without a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, they face several risks, including increased accidents and injuries, higher rates of co-existing mental health conditions, a higher mortality rate, and increased medical costs. ADHD must be viewed as a public health concern that has substantial impact on quality of life.”

Click here to read the full consensus statement. The group welcomes other providers, patients and concerned citizens to add their signatures to the official Call to Action in order to enact better standards of care for those affected by ADHD.

For more information about Qbtech, visit www.qbtech.com.

About Qbtech

Founded in 2002, Qbtech is a privately-owned Swedish company that has developed leading solutions and products for improving the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients living with ADHD. Qbtech has operations in 13 countries and has offices in Stockholm, Houston, and London. Qbtech is an award-winning company recognized for their innovation, most recently winning the 2022 HSJ Partnership Award for the ‘Best Mental Health Partnership with the NHS’. www.qbtech.com

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