An Artificial Intelligence Algorithm for Diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults

Background Demand for ADHD assessments for adults has been growing due to increased awareness and children who have been diagnosed in growing numbers entering adulthood and requiring adult diagnosis.

NHS Services are unable to address this demand due to financial pressures and lack of appropriately trained clinical experts, leading to unacceptable waiting times. The partnering institutions have jointly developed an AI solution for assisting ADHD diagnosis in adults.

It inputs the same data recommended by NICE as sufficient to make a clinical diagnosis, and delivers a positive diagnosis, negative diagnosis or referral for further assessment by a clinical expert.

Aims and Objectives The aim is to test the AI solution in a clinical setting to establish its overall feasibility as a clinical decision support tool.

The objectives are to assess its accuracy; develop clinical pathways for deploying it; establish cost benefits and commercial feasibility; and engage with relevant NHS stakeholders.

Project plan and methods used Work is organised around: Clinical feasibility, focusing on the AI's accuracy and its best use within clinical settings; Technical feasibility, refining the technology based on experience gained and new data; Commercial feasibility, establishing the cost benefits for the Trust and reaching out to NHS stakeholders.

Timelines for delivery This is a 1-year project, with an interim assessment of feasibility scheduled for month 6 and a dissemination and stakeholder engagement workshop planned for month 12.

Anticipated Impact and Dissemination Benefits to the NHS will be reduced waiting lists, improved outcomes in people with ADHD through quicker diagnosis and treatment, and reduced costs.

Patients will benefit from quicker diagnosis and treatment, avoiding problems – in health, social life and employment – associated with untreated ADHD.

Dissemination will be through direct engagement with NHS stakeholders, using the partnering Trust's networks, and a dedicated workshop with relevant NHS stakeholders.