Why are ADHD benefits in the firing line?

[FunStork]

I've been seeing this a lot recently.

Feels like the media is very much against ADHD benefits claims.

Why is that the one that seems to be getting all the focus?

Another one from BBC Verify tonight:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c24ym9yd8p6o

Is this an orchestrated campaign?

It’s more that you are mixing up precipitating and maintaining factors. Not working can perpetuate social isolation, worthlessness and inactivity all of which maintain low mood.

I have a friend who was recently awarded full rate PIP. He does have an illness, but he doesn’t have any additional costs associated with his illness, other than an occasional taxi. Next year he will get his state pension, so he will have both state pension and PIP, an income of around 20k which isn’t taxed. And he recently had an inheritance of around £250k.

I don’t grudge benefits for people who need them. But there must surely be an argument for PIP to be means tested, and for there to be proof of additional costs associated with the condition.

Some people can’t physically work and desperately need treatment which they’re on endless wait lists for. This is highlighted in the NHS ADHD taskforce. PIP can pay for therapy that can get people back into work and education.

Then some people will be worse off as their disability costs more than what they receive. Or would the shortfall be made up?

What proof would you suggest?

The PIP people don't analyse claims on the basis of conditions. But the info is available eg to people who make freedom of info requests.

ADHD can severely impede executive function, so that isn't as implausible as you might think - for example with cooking it won't be because the person is physically incapable of holding a knife or even because they have a developmental delay and don't understand what is required, it would be more that they are unsafe to use an oven due to forgetting it is on and causing a fire, or they don't remember that they need to eat at all for a few days and then faint.

Whatever the issues, clearly things are in a pickle, and solutions have to be made, and Britain needs to get it right. The future of ever growing numbers of young people who cannot work for health reasons and relying on benefits to live is not a good life and not good for society.
For each and every time someone says they know someone who is exaggerating to get a higher level payment there is a heartfelt tale of genuine difficulty.
We need to have a more different approach.

Well it’s true that ADHD traits are on a continuum. That doesn’t make the diagnosis point “nonsense” - I would describe it as the ‘best guess we have so far’. Blood pressure is on a continuum too - anyone with blood pressure higher than a specific value is considered to have high blood pressure and anyone below it doesn’t. In practice anyone close but just below the threshold will probably still get advice from their doctor about how to lower their BP.

There is scientific evidence that ADHD brains are “wired differently”. Of course, you are right to say that evey person’s brain is unique, but this does not mean that there are not some typical differences in ADHD brains. Scientists have been researching this. For example: Doctors have known for several decades that dopamine signaling is different in ADHD brains One of the strongest pieces of evidence for this is that stimulant medications, that increase dopamine signaling, improve ADHD symptoms.

Other research on brain differences:

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/altered-brain-connections-youth-adhd.

or here https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7880081/
there is is an overview which starts with “Regarding brain structure and function, findings from neuroimaging research….”

Your point about most people who are assesssed for ADHD are diagnosed is often used an argument that ADHD is being over diagnosed. You probably do not realise that due to the fact the the assessment takes several hours, there is a pre-assessment/triage phase which weeds out people. So, anyone who gets to a formal assessment has already had a fairly significant level of clinical assessment.

And yes the diagnostic criteria have broadened significantly and again this is also used as evidence that ADHD is being over diagnosed. This is a fundamental misunderstanding - the criteria have broadened due to the increased understanding of ADHD, which is the result of scientific research. For example, pre 1990, very few girls were diagnosed because most of the research was on boys so there was little understanding of how ADHD presented in girls. This does not make it incorrect to diagnose girls. It is an evolving story. I’m sure in a few years time when there is more understanding, the diagnostic criteria will be changed again - and who knows, they may even be narrowed, moved sideways or expanded.

This is why. Ask any teacher.

But you won’t get pip by exaggerating adhd!!!! How many times. It’s not given on diagnosis and the questions do not lend to pip just for adhd. You need a minim of 8 and must score 4 in one area. You also need robust evidence.
I’ve filled the form out, have you?

You don't need to score 4 on any section for pip

The poster you quoted and the pp were discussing DLA which has different criteria and doesn't have points

" I know someone who gets the DLA higher rate for both elements by saying he wont go to school and she has to brush his teeth."

What utter bollocks.

What do you mean ‘attitude like mine’? I’m making the point that some people do exaggerate to get the benefit hence why it’s being picked on by Burnham. I didn’t say I don’t think others genuinely need it.

My son doesn’t and neither do friend’s kids…

You exaggerate how it impacts you.

Friend told me to say my son doesn’t sleep, is unsafe by roads, get anxious with xyz, is always putting himself at risk that he needs supervision etc etc

This is for DLA, he’s 12.

Did you read the article? Burnham hasn’t mentioned ADHD at all.Timms has simply said an overhaul of the system is needed.

I knew a parent who applied for DLA for her DC’s ADHD before I had done the referral. The DC was subsequently assessed and did not have ADHD.

This thread is about PIP. That would not get you PIP.

Well I hope if they do "overhaul the system" (assuming they get into power) they offer substantially more support to children with profound disabilities, and their families, who are literally hanging on by a thread and crippled with the costs of caring.

I have been in an accident that left me unable to walk

I have suffered domestic violence

I have worked for over twenty years in schools

i now don’t work

I know what caused my MH problems and it sure as fuck wasn’t being unemployed

Many families with children that have autism, ADHD and severe mental health difficulties are hanging on by a thread. They get zero help, sometimes no education or treatment. Nothing.

It’s entirely possible to be repeatedly assaulted in some jobs.

You need medical evidence though and they can also contact the school to see how the child is there.

If they have severe mental health difficulties, they'll get DLA.

Those with adult children won’t.