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Need help urgently?

CNWL Adult ADHD Service


 

Due to unprecedented demand for ADHD assessment and treatment, we have had to temporarily close our waitlist to additional referrals from 10 November 2023. We have been receiving an extremely high number of referrals and our service is at capacity.

We know that the waiting list is already too long and we don’t want to add to the list or make people wait even longer. We are doing everything we can to work through our existing backlog as quickly as possible.

If you are already on our waitlist, we will contact you when we are able to offer you a date for assessment. Our current waiting time is over 36 months.

We understand that waiting can be frustrating and that this has become a significant national issue. However, our team can no longer respond to emails about wait times or positions on the waitlist.

About the service

The CNWL Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) service offers diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD. Once treatment is stabilised, prescribing and monitoring will be transferred back to the GP.

Currently, we do not offer psychological interventions for the treatment of ADHD in our service.

For support in a crisis, please contact the relevant Single Point of Access:

  • CNWL NHS Foundation Trust (Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster) – 0800 0234 650 (cwn-tr.spa@nhs.net)
  • West London NHS Trust (Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing, Hounslow) – 0800 328 4444

What you can find on our website

  • Waiting well - This page recommends support and resources for your mental wellbeing while you are awaiting an ADHD assessment.
  • Living With ADHD – Strategies, tips, services and resources for those living with an ADHD diagnosis. This page can also be helpful for those without a diagnosis
  • Assessment & Treatment - This page includes information on the assessment and treatment process. This includes details on what to expect at the assessment, what treatment options are available as well as information on non-pharmaceutical options.
  • CNWL Adult ADHD Support Handbook  - Contains resources for individuals referred to the CNWL Adult ADHD Service. It provides guidance during the waiting period, assessment and treatment stages as well as post-diagnosis. It includes tips for managing ADHD symptoms, such as using planners, regular exercise, mindfulness, and diet. The handbook also covers treatment options, including medication and non-pharmaceutical approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and ADHD coaching. Additionally, it highlights legal rights, workplace adjustments, and offers access to various ADHD-specific support services, resources, and apps for managing daily challenges.
  • ADHD Webinars - We’ve partnered with Autism Oxford to bring you a series of informative webinars on ADHD and neurodivergence. These webinars cover key topics like self-identifying as ADHD or neurodivergent, managing executive functioning, and practical strategies for daily life. 
  • Frequently asked questions – Contains answers to a list of commonly asked questions.

Understanding ADHD in Adults

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that presents with persistent difficulties in concentration, activity levels and impulsivity. It is a ‘neurodevelopmental disorder’ meaning it affects the brain and is present from early childhood. These difficulties lead to impairment in several areas of life.

We all have some symptoms of ADHD at various times in our lives such as poor concentration, forgetfulness, and restlessness; but this does not mean we have the disorder. Having ADHD symptoms without support can lead to distress and difficulty managing everyday life.

Illustration of man wearing blue t-shirt and brown trousers (1).png


Frequently Asked Questions

People used to believe that ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) only affected children. Now, it's known that adults can have ADHD too, and for many, it's a lifelong condition. Many adults discover they have ADHD long after finishing school. If you recently found out you have ADHD, you're not alone!

ADHD makes it challenging to pay attention and stay focused. Many adults with ADHD struggle to control their impulses or "hold their horses." Other symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty staying motivated to do chores, and trouble organising daily life. ADHD can cause issues at work, at home, and in everyday living. The disorder often runs in families. It’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility to seek help to minimise ADHD's impact on your life.

Some people have mild and manageable symptoms, while others experience more severe ones. No two individuals with ADHD are the same.

There isn't a single test to diagnose ADHD. To determine if you have the disorder, a clinical professional will conduct a detailed interview with you and will use various sources of information, including:

  • Questionnaires you complete about your current difficulties 
  • Input from a spouse/partner or someone close to you.
  • Input from a parent or someone who knew you as a child 

There isn't a "magic formula" for knowing when to see a professional, but most adults who are diagnosed with ADHD report the following:

  • Difficulty keeping jobs, either due to quitting frequently or being fired often.
  • Trouble being on time for appointments or completing tasks.
  • Household chores often go unfinished, and bills may go unpaid due to forgetfulness.
  • Relationship problems, such as forgetting important dates, failing to keep promises, or getting easily annoyed.
  • Frequent feelings of worry and stress due to difficulty meeting goals and responsibilities.
  • Strong feelings of frustration, guilt, or low self-esteem.

As with any medical diagnosis, there are guidelines for determining whether you have ADHD. It's not enough to simply have the symptoms; they must be significant enough to cause problems like those listed above. If the symptoms do not interfere with your life, you won't be diagnosed. Additionally, the symptoms must cause issues in at least two areas of your life, such as at work and at home.

Best place to start is with your GP, let them know your concerns and ask for a referral to a professional with expertise in evaluating an adult or ADHD.

Your GP needs to be under the Integrated Care Board for Central North West London, these including the following boroughs:

  • Brent
  • Ealing
  • Hammersmith & Fulham
  • Harrow
  • Hillingdon
  • Hounslow
  • Kensington & Chelsea
  • Westminster

No preparation is needed. It's natural for many adults to feel nervous or anxious about seeking an evaluation. However, remember that the professional you see has likely encountered many similar cases. They won't judge or criticise you. The more open you are about your problems, the better they can help you. Keep in mind: you didn't cause your ADHD, so there's no reason to feel ashamed.

People with ADHD often encounter a lot of stigma. However, our focus has long been on the problems ADHD causes. It's important to remember that mental health isn't just about the absence of illness or disorder; it's also about recovery, coping, well-being, and thriving. While ADHD means your brain works differently, not all those differences are negative. Broader studies highlight positive ADHD traits such as high energy, creativity, hyper focus, agreeableness, empathy, and a willingness to help others.

Unfortunately, there is no transitional pathway from CAMHS when those who turn 18 years old. You would have to be referred to the Adults ADHD service. 

Contact

All of our appointments are carried out virtually, however our main base for the CNWL Adult ADHD Service is: The Mental Health Centre at Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow HA1 3UJ.

If you have a query that cannot be answered from our website then please contact our CNWL Adult ADHD Team via email adhd.cnwl@nhs.net.

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