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ADHD Screening Call After Teen's Tragic Death
22 Jan
Summary
- Matthew Lock died at 19, linking ADHD to addiction and suicide.
- Parents advocate for early ADHD screening in schools and GPs.
- Charity established to address long ADHD diagnosis waiting times.
The parents of Matthew Lock, a young campaigner who died at 19, are urging for enhanced ADHD screening in schools and for general practitioners. Matthew's struggle with undiagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was tragically linked to his development of addiction and his subsequent suicide in 2023.
His parents, Richard and Christine, have established the Matthew Lock ADHD Charity. This initiative aims to address the significant waiting times families endure to obtain an ADHD diagnosis and to highlight the condition's profound impact. They believe that implementing digital screening in schools and improving GP training could revolutionize support for affected children.
Richard Lock emphasized the lack of parental support and advice when dealing with undiagnosed ADHD. He noted the strong correlation between ADHD and addiction, stating that early diagnosis could significantly alter individuals' life trajectories. Matthew, who was diagnosed with autism at 14, also had his ADHD undiagnosed until later, a delay his parents believe was critical.
