As I have said in previous blogs, if you suspect that you or your child have ADHD then your first port of call should be your GP who will be able to talk to you about the correct steps to take forward and while blogs and internet advice are helpful, medical advice is always the way to go to get a diagnosis, treatment and advice for your individual situation.
Below I have included some helpful links to relevant websites in the UK providing relevant health based information about ADHD.
NHS: For a brief summary of ADHD, its subtypes and treatments you can find generalised information on the NHS Choices website.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE):
“NICE’s role is to improve outcomes for people using the NHS and other public health and social care services. We do this by:
- Producing evidence-based guidance and advice for health, public health and social care practitioners.
- Developing quality standards and performance metrics for those providing and commissioning health, public health and social care services.
- Providing a range of information services for commissioners, practitioners and managers across the spectrum of health and social care.”
The specific guidance relating to ADHD is available at:
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg72
In Scotland:
“The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) was formed in 1993. Our objective is to improve the quality of health care for patients in Scotland by reducing variation in practice and outcome, through the development and dissemination of national clinical guidelines containing recommendations for effective practice based on current evidence.”
The Royal College of Psychiatrists:
“The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional medical body responsible for supporting psychiatrists throughout their careers, from training through to retirement, and in setting and raising standards of psychiatry in the United Kingdom.
The College aims to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness, and the mental health of individuals, their families and communities. In order to achieve this, the College sets standards and promotes excellence in psychiatry; leads, represents and supports psychiatrists; improves the scientific understanding of mental illness; works with and advocates for patients, carers and their organisations. Nationally and internationally, the College has a vital role in representing the expertise of the psychiatric profession to governments and other agencies.”
The Royal College for Psychiatrists in Scotland has produced a guidance document for ADHD in adults in Scotland.
Laura
Me & My ADHD 