The National Council demands better care for ADHD patients

The Federal Council must improve care for ADHD patients – if necessary, also with financial resources. This is what the National Council demands. On Thursday he submitted a corresponding postulate from former national councilor Yvonne Feri (SP/AG).

The decision was made by 90 votes to 90 and the deciding vote was taken by National Council President Eric Nussbaumer (SP/BL). The move was opposed by the SVP and FDP factions. SVP spokesperson Thomas de Courten (BL) drew the council’s attention to the fact that several reports already existed on the subject of ADHD. A new report would be useless.

The majority saw it differently. She instructed the Federal Council to discuss measures to ensure timely outpatient care for the diagnosis and therapy of ADHD patients. In particular, according to the text of the postulate, it should be examined in consultation with the cantons to what extent an improvement of the financial framework can reduce the currently unreasonable waiting times and alleviate the shortage of skilled workers. This is so that ADHD patients can receive adequate care.

“Children and young people with ADHD in particular have to wait several months for professional assessment and therapy,” says the postulant. An early diagnosis with subsequent therapy is of great importance for the further course of ADHD and can prevent further disorders.

On behalf of the Federal Council, Minister of Health Elisabeth Baume-Schneider expressed her willingness to analyze the situation in a report and propose possible measures on that basis. In principle, however, the cantons are responsible for healthcare.

A year ago, the Commission for Science, Education and Culture (WBK-N) of the National Council wrote to the Federal Council calling for a national prevention campaign on the subject of ADHD. According to the Commission, it is necessary to increase awareness of ADHD among the different actors and strengthen their cooperation. (sda/lyn)