Each year, the ADHD Expert Consortium meets to review progress and identify new strategies to address gaps in ADHD care. This year, discussions focused on three primary areas: the need for standardized measurement-based evaluations, the impact of technology on ADHD diagnosis and treatment, and strategies for increasing patient engagement in ADHD care.
Their consensus statement lays out a vision for the future, encouraging providers, patients, and advocates to support their call to action for establishing improved care standards.
Key insights from the ADHD Expert Consortium
In January, the group brought together leading clinicians and stakeholders to discuss the most pressing challenges in ADHD care at our HQ in Houston.
ADHD and standardized testing
A major challenge in ADHD care is the lack of consistency in assessment methods. The consortium evaluated the range of subjective rating scales utilized by clinicians, noting that while these tools are often viewed as ‘best practice’, they lack uniformity. Many healthcare providers find it challenging to select a scale that reliably and effectively tracks patient symptoms and progress, which can lead to discrepancies in diagnosis and treatment. The group emphasized the importance of having standardized, objective assessments to enhance accuracy and ensure patients receive appropriate support.
Importance of technology in ADHD management
Another key area of focus during the meeting was the potential of technology to improve ADHD diagnosis and management. The group agreed on the benefits of utilizing clinically approved objective ADHD tools that offer data-driven insights, along with automated patient care tools aimed at enhancing engagement and reducing clinician workload. The discussion also included advancements in telehealth and the implications of a proposed ruling by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on the accessibility of ADHD care.
Promoting patient involvement in ADHD care
Participants highlighted the significance of patient participation in effective ADHD management. Individuals with ADHD often find it challenging to do mundane tasks like completing rating scales, attending appointments, and following through with treatment plans. The dialogue explored methods to empower patients and enhance adherence, encouraging them to take an active role in their own healthcare.
“We need cutting-edge ADHD assessments that are easily accessible to both patients and healthcare providers, along with improved methods for monitoring. It is how we can ensure quality in care.”
A word from the experts
We must rethink how we diagnose, treat, and support individuals with ADHD. The impact of ADHD going untreated can be huge. Watch what happens if we do nothing about ADHD.
Clinicians agree
Retesting is vital for ADHD management, but insurance barriers and inconsistent rating scales are slowing down care. Let's take a look at some important discussion points put forward by the group.
❌ Lack of standardization
There’s a need for better, clinically validated rating scales and uniform processes across practices. Every practice follows its own rules and has different questionnaires.
❌ Insurance barriers
Many clinicians face obstacles with insurance coverage for retesting and medications, often requiring prior behavioral therapy before approving treatment. Retests are used to guide clinical management and to move the pathway forward.
In some cases, moving forward with a diagnosis is impossible without the data from testing.
✅ Continuity of care
Ensuring consistent follow-up, medication management, and tracking treatment progress remains a priority. There needs to be a tool that validates screening for other conditions or mental health issues.
“We’ve made significant strides in assessing and treating ADHD, a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder, but there’s still much work to be done.” - Dr. David Aversa, MD, MPH
Dr. Aversa is the owner of Connecticut Psychiatric and Wellness Center and Community Faculty at Yale Child Study Center.
The meeting also featured a conversation with Duane Gordon, President of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), who provided insights into the specific challenges encountered by adults with ADHD. He stressed the importance of recognizing symptoms that patients may not openly share with their healthcare professionals.
The Consensus Statement on ADHD
ADHD is one of the most manageable behavioral health conditions when diagnosed accurately, yet it frequently goes underdiagnosed, particularly in adults. By continuing these important discussions and advocating for change, the ADHD Expert Consortium is committed to ensuring that patients receive the necessary care.