An Evaluation of an Adult ADHD Service
Authors: Danielle Wilson1, Lisa
Riches2
Rationale, aims & objectives: This evaluation was carried out
in order to determine the efficacy of the Norfolk and Waveney Adult ADHD
Service. With the service not commissioned to offer non-pharmacological
support, and with a gap in the research literature, evidence on whether
the service model was effective at reducing the impact of ADHD symptoms
on service users was needed in order to justify longer term
commissioning.
Method: Case notes of 113 individuals going through their
medication titration process were observed. Scores from the Weiss
Functional Impairment Rating Scale (WFIRS), which was routinely
collected in the service pre- and post- titration onto ADHD medication,
were recorded for comparison.
Results: A T test revealed significant improvements in
functioning across all domains of the WFIRS after successful titration
onto ADHD medication. However, 19.5% of the sample disengaged from the
service prior to completing titration. A further 12.5% of the sample
did not complete titration due to various factors discussed.
Conclusion: While medication has been shown to be effective at
improving impairment of functioning in adults with ADHD, high levels of
disengagement suggest that more needs to be offered to this population.