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Attitudes of South Australian psychiatrists towards attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults.

Authors :
Cao, Claudia
Deakin, Callum
Gill, Shane
Source :
Australasian Psychiatry; Feb2024, Vol. 32 Issue 1, p11-17, 7p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Objective: A lack of access to psychiatric services for adult ADHD is a recognised issue in South Australia and nationally. This study aims to explore the practices of local psychiatrists and their attitudes towards adult ADHD, with a view to determining any barriers influencing accessibility to treatment. Methods: We developed an online survey to examine the aims of the study. Free text boxes were included to obtain qualitative data. Quantitative data were tallied and presented as percentages. Qualitative data (free text responses) were analysed thematically. Results: 73 out of 322 psychiatrists responded (22.7%). The greatest barrier to seeing adult ADHD was the fear of being inundated with cases (68.5%), followed by lack of experience managing ADHD (32.9%), and potential drug-seeking behaviour of patients (31.5%). Two overarching qualitative themes were identified: practical barriers and attitudinal barriers. Conclusion: ADHD service provision is complex and relates to many systemic factors such as public versus private, funding, and service organisation. More psychiatrists need to become involved in treating ADHD so that the work is more widely spread. Increased training in ADHD is also needed to increase confidence in managing the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10398562
Volume :
32
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Australasian Psychiatry
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
175032564
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/10398562231211132