More than a third of doctors in crisis show ADHD traits

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By Ellie Broughton

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder traits are common among doctors seeking mental health support, new research has revealed.

A report by NHS Practitioner Health reveals that 37% of doctors show ADHD traits on registration, raising questions about how unrecognised neurodivergence may affect the profession.

In its anniversary report 15 Years of NHS Practitioner Health, authors reveal that at registration when doctors are assessed using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), some 37.4% screen positive for ADHD traits.¹ The ASRS tool cannot diagnose ADHD alone, but the validated tool is used in assessment for ADHD.

The NHS Practitioner Health Programme (NHS PHP) treats more than 6,500 health and care professionals a year for mental health and addiction problems. Of the doctors who register with the service, 46% are GPs and 44% are secondary care doctors.

"Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits are common among doctors seeking mental health support and once identified can help them recover sooner," the report concludes.