Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the average waiting time for ADHD NHS treatment is.

The information requested is not held centrally. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be treated using medicine or therapy, but a combination of both is often recommended. Treatment is usually arranged by a specialist, such as a paediatrician or psychiatrist, although the condition may be monitored by a general practitioner.

With respect to referral and treatment for ADHD, integrated care boards (ICBs) and National Health Service trusts should have due regard to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline NG87: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management. This guideline, published in September 2019, aims to improve the diagnosis of ADHD and the quality of care and support that people receive including access to medication. The guideline does not set out a timeframe within which medication for ADHD should be provided, but it does explain the key considerations for clinicians when deciding whether to offer medication.

It is the responsibility of ICBs to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population. We are supporting them to expand mental health services through the NHS Long Term Plan, which commits to increasing investment into mental health services by at least £2.3 billion a year by 2023/24 so that an additional two million people can get the support they need.