Improving Healthcare Information for Young People with ADHD

Why This Matters

ADHD doesn’t stop at childhood. For many young people, the move from children’s services into adult healthcare is a big change—and often, general practice becomes their main point of contact. Yet many families tell us that these young people leave appointments without the clear guidance they need to understand or manage their condition.

A new study published in the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) takes a closer look at this gap, and the results are both important and encouraging.

What the Study Looked At

Researchers spoke to young people with ADHD and healthcare professionals across several GP practices in England. Their aim was simple: to find out how ADHD information is currently shared in general practice, and what could make things better.

They explored questions such as:

1. Do young people get enough practical information about ADHD?
2. How useful is that information day-to-day?
3. Could digital resources play a bigger role in supporting self-management?

What They Found

The study identified four big themes:

1. A shortage of ADHD-specific resources in GP settings – Young people often leave without written or digital information tailored to ADHD.
2. Little support for self-management – Families feel they don’t have the tools to help young people manage symptoms between appointments.
3. Clinicians need better resources too – GPs and practice staff often lack training or access to reliable ADHD information.
4. Digital resources could be a game-changer – Both young people and clinicians agreed that apps, websites, and co-designed tools could fill the gap.

Why This Matters for Families

Living with ADHD can bring daily challenges around organisation, planning, and emotional regulation. Without clear, accessible information, young people and families are often left to figure things out alone—right at a stage of life when school, exams, work, and independence are already demanding.

Digital tools and resources—especially when co-created with young people themselves—could:

1. Present information in engaging, ADHD-friendly formats.
2. Offer reminders, checklists, and strategies for everyday life.
3. Provide reassurance between appointments.
4. Help young people understand how ADHD interacts with stress, hormones, and routines.

Moving Forward

This study is a strong reminder that ADHD support shouldn’t end at diagnosis or stop at medication.

1. For GPs: Sharing reliable ADHD-specific resources is just as important as prescribing.
2. For families: Ask your GP what resources are available—don’t leave without clear information.
3. For digital health developers: Work with young people to design tools that genuinely meet their needs.

Final Thoughts

Better information may sound simple, but for young people with ADHD it can make all the difference—turning confusion into confidence, and isolation into empowerment. The next step is clear: co-create practical, engaging, and accessible resources that help young people thrive, not just cope.