3 minute read
SILENCING THE SCEPTICS
SILENCING THE SCEPTICS
He was part of a campaign to develop adult services, both for young people whose ADHD was treated by specialist children’s services, and undiagnosed adults who were seeing news and social media and thinking ‘that’s me.’
Mersey Care’s service was launched in 2007. Within four years demand was far outstripping capacity. A major hurdle was the reluctance among GPs to prescribe stimulant medication, the most effective treatment, meaning people had to see a consultant for their prescription.
Media coverage remained negative. “It was said we were medicalising failure,” said Dr Naidoo. “In fact, many of our patients are doing very well in their lives –but something is missing. With ADHD you are anxious from constantly chasing your tail, always fearful of the day you get it wrong. You must try so much harder just to stay on top of things. Like depression it is on a continuum. It is up to us as clinicians to help patients recognise when it becomes
an impairment. That is why the diagnostic process is so important.”
Medication, usually a controlled stimulant, had a poor image too. Yet Kuben Naidoo was witnessing dramatic improvements in some of his patients, with limited side effects.
He explains: “It’s instantaneous. A patient recently told me it was like putting on a new pair of glasses – she could see clearly for the first time. Of course, medication does not suit everyone, and we must find the right one or consider psychological support.”
Based on strong clinical evidence, belief and funding from commissioners and a shared
vision for innovation within Mersey Care, the service has expanded to become a leading light in ADHD treatment.
The challenge now is to bring down waiting lists. A recently launched nurse led programme means that, following clinical assessment, a highly trained nurse prescriber can oversee someone’s care.
Kuben Naidoo is still as passionate about helping people with ADHD as he was in 2007. “It may be an illness,” he says, “but it can also be a strength which, if controlled and channelled in the right way, is a life changer.”
