A Service Evaluation to Determine the Efficacy of a Specialist Service
for Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Norfolk and
Waveney
Abstract
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.