Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Service (ADHD)

We accept referrals from GPs or internally from other NHS services. We see patients in chronological order, based on the referral date.

Outside of our service, you can also pursue ADHD assessments through the NHS Choice Framework. We do not accept referrals for treatment of individuals who have been diagnosed by a non-NHS provider, regardless of whether the diagnosis was privately funded or via the framework.

If you have been referred to us after a diagnosis by a non-NHS provider or via the framework, we will give you the option to be reassessed as a new assessment. As a new assessment, you will be placed on our waiting list and your assessment will not be fast-tracked. If you do not want to be reassessed, you will be removed from our caseload and returned to the care of your referrer.

Assessments usually take 2 to 3 hours to complete. Where possible, we ask that you bring someone who knew you well between the ages of 5 and 12 to your assessment, such as a parent or sibling. This is to help us gather additional insight into how you were during childhood, but this is not essential. Do not bring anyone under the age of 18 to your appointment.

We are here to help you to the best of our ability. It is crucial that you respond honestly when completing forms and engaging with your assessment.

Where appropriate, our team provides pharmacological treatment to adults with ADHD, following a titration process. Once stabilised, we request that prescribing responsibility goes back to your own GP. As well as any additional advice relating to your ongoing care.

We will contact you yearly for an annual review to see how you are getting on with your medication. This is part of the shared care prescribing protocol which allows your GP to continue prescribing your medication.

Our team is also working hard to develop therapeutic pathways for those with ADHD. This will include group therapy combining occupational and psychological interventions, and a standalone occupational therapy pathway.

If you are receiving medication for your ADHD and do not attend your reviews, your GP may stop issuing your prescription.

If you fail to attend 2 or more appointments without notifying the team, we may discharge you from our service.

If you’re waiting to be assessed by our team but are struggling and need one-to-one support in the meantime, contact our Talking Therapies Service. You can self-refer for different forms of therapy while you wait.

What to do in an emergency

We are not an emergency service. If you need crisis mental health support, call our 24/7 NHS Mental Health Crisis Service on 0800 038 5300.

If someone’s life is at risk, they have overdosed, injured themselves, or you are unable to keep yourself or someone else safe, call 999 or go to the emergency department.

A mental health crisis is as serious as a physical one.

Useful links

• Guides, tools and activities.
• 5 steps to mental wellbeing.
• Fall asleep faster and sleep better.
• Get help with low mood, sadness or depression.
• How to cope with anxiety.
• Loneliness.