Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether targets are in place for maximum waiting times for diagnosis of children with behavioural disorders such as ADHD.

There are no such maximum waiting times targets in place.

Guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on the diagnosis and management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children over three years, young people and adults is intended to improve the diagnosis of ADHD as well as the quality of care and support for people with ADHD. It does not however make recommendations on waiting times.

NHS England has been working with NICE and the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health to develop new mental health pathways, including for children and young people. These could benefit people with ADHD and other behavioural disorders who have mental health needs by facilitating better and faster diagnosis. The pathways are currently in draft and are being considered for publication over the coming months.