Mental Health Priorities in Individuals with ADHD

Why is the research needed?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) care in the UK is fragmented across services and regions despite growing awareness and rising demand. Although national guidance outlines clear expectations for service provision, delays in accessing assessment and treatment continue to be associated with poorer outcomes, including increased risk of co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, alongside difficulties in educational and occupational functioning. Early identification and preventative intervention are therefore critical, enabling support to be introduced before difficulties escalate, when symptoms are more manageable and responsive to treatment. This can reduce longer-term impacts on mental health and improve overall functioning and quality of life.

To address these challenges, a Delphi study will be conducted to achieve consensus among children, adults with ADHD, their families, and healthcare professionals on the types of support needed to effectively navigate healthcare systems. Given that there is currently no agreed model of ADHD care navigation and that experiences differ widely across stakeholders, this approach allows for the integration of diverse perspectives. The study will explore key questions including what support individuals need to navigate healthcare systems, barriers to access and engagement, and what forms of support are most beneficial at different stages (pre-diagnosis, during diagnosis, and post-diagnosis). It will also examine the role of healthcare professionals and identify tools, resources, and training that should be routinely provided.

What are we doing?

We will undertake a structured programme of preparatory work to ensure the Delphi study is evidence‑informed and co‑produced. This will include a rapid scoping review to map existing research, an environmental scan of current tools and resources, and the establishment of a multi‑stakeholder participant Patient Involvement (PPI) group to refine study materials and research questions. Exploratory qualitative work with PPI members will support item development, and a small pilot survey will test the clarity and accessibility of draft items.

How are we working with communities, services and organisations?

We will convene a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group comprising ADHD adults, young people, parents/carers, and healthcare professionals. The group will co develop study materials, refine research questions, and ensure that the Delphi process reflects lived experience.

What will the impact and benefits of this research be?

The Delphi programme has the potential to transform how support for ADHD is understood, designed, and delivered. By generating consensus across children, adults, parents/carers, and health professionals, it will produce a clear, stakeholder‑validated framework that addresses long‑standing fragmentation in ADHD support. This will give services a coherent, prioritised understanding of what matters most, improve alignment between lived experience and professional practice, and guide the development of interventions that are accessible, feasible, and responsive to real‑world needs. The resulting consensus model will provide a foundation for more consistent pathways, better‑targeted resources, and future innovation across education, health, and digital settings — ultimately improving outcomes for people with ADHD and those who support them.

What do we have planned for knowledge mobilisation and implementation?

We will share a summary of findings and consensus recommendations with commissioners, professional bodies, and policy groups to inform future service design, training, and digital‑innovation strategies.

Related papers, outputs and resources

The project may generate a range of early, provisional outputs, including evidence summaries from preparatory reviews, an overview of existing tools and resources, co‑produced insights from stakeholder engagement, brief qualitative reflections from exploratory work, and refined draft items from pilot testing. We will share our findings on a project website, in newsletters, on social media posts, in blogs, and through webinars. We will also publish the study findings in academic journals and present them at professional and academic conferences.