Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can affect many aspects of a person’s life.

However, diagnosis is complex and requires a specialist, usually a consultant psychiatrist to do this.  

GPs are not able to make a diagnosis of ADHD and a referral is needed to an ADHD specialist. If an ADHD diagnosis is subsequently made by the specialist, they may choose to offer medications to help manage the symptoms. These medications are potentially dangerous and therefore require careful monitoring. The specialist is responsible for prescribing the medications, making any dose adjustments and arranging a yearly review which includes a physical assessment.

Due to the long wait for ADHD assessments in Oxfordshire, the local service provided by Oxford Health Foundation Trust has temporarily suspended accepting any new referrals from 5th February 2024. 

If you are struggling with your mental health in regards to a possible ADHD diagnosis then please still access your GP/mental health worker in the usual way.

 Self Help Resources

If you want a referral to CAMHS for an ADHD assessment please contact school or SPA in the first instance. Please self-refer to SPA (Single Point of Access). We would suggest that families contact CAMHS, or discuss their concerns with the school, who can refer. Families are often best placed to provide SPA with the relevant information so you can be advised of the support, or be accepted to a CAMHS team in a timely way.

 How to contact CAMHS Oxford Health