What the study found
Parents described the wait for an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment as a period of uncertainty and stress. The study identified concerns about communication from services, access to support, and the impact of waiting on children and families.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that parents' well-being could be improved by clearer information about wait times and more effective signposting and support during the assessment process. They suggest this may help reduce stressors such as feeling responsible for a child's difficulties and managing educational needs.
What the researchers tested
The researchers carried out semi-structured interviews with 41 parents of children aged 5 to 11 years. The study was nested within a large randomised controlled trial and used reflexive thematic analysis to examine parents' experiences while waiting after being accepted onto a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waitlist.
What worked and what didn't
Around 30% of parents had waited 18 to 24 months, and 10% had waited more than 2 years. About half of the children were still waiting for an initial assessment at the time of interview. Six themes emerged, including uncertainty about the assessment process, lack of communication, the importance of diagnosis, difficulty accessing support, negative effects on mental health and education, and recommendations for better communication between services and families.
What to keep in mind
The findings come from interviews with parents in the U.K. and may not apply beyond this setting. The abstract does not describe detailed child outcomes, and it does not provide a comparison group for the interview findings.
Key points
- Parents described the waiting period for ADHD assessment as uncertain and stressful.
- Lack of communication from services was one of the main themes reported.
- About half of the children were still waiting for an initial assessment at interview.
- Thirty percent of parents had waited 18 to 24 months, and 10% had waited more than 2 years.
- The authors say clearer wait-time information and better signposting could improve parent well-being.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Parents reported long, uncertain waits for ADHD assessment
- Authors:
- Ellen Hedstrom, Katarzyna Kostyrka‐Allchorne, Claire Ballard, Naomi James, Hannah Wright, David Daley, Cris Glazebrook, Jana Kreppner, Claire Cattel, Douglas Gordon, Natalie Gordon, Tessa Tuttlebee, Edmund Sonuga‐Barke
- Institutions:
- Aarhus University, Aarhus University Hospital, Florence Nightingale Foundation, Institute of Mental Health, Institute of Mental Health, Isle of Wight NHS Trust, King's College London, King's College London, King's College London, King's College London, King's College London, Nottingham Trent University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Hong Kong, University of Nottingham, University of Nottingham, University of Southampton, University of Southampton
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-28
- DOI:
- 10.1111/hex.70569
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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