Local NHS Trust to launch adult ADHD service in Kirklees and Wakefield

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South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust, which provides mental health and learning disability services to people in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield is to launch a specialist service for adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).

ADHD is defined by two broad groups of behavioural problems – inattentiveness, and a combination of hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Common symptoms within these groups include a short attention span, restlessness, being easily distracted, and constant fidgeting.

The service will provide support for people over the age of 18 who were diagnosed with ADHD in childhood but need continued treatment. It will also provide assessment and diagnosis for adults who were not diagnosed during childhood.

People will be referred to the service by GP’s or specialist paediatric and psychiatric services.

The specialist team will consist of a consultant psychiatrist, specialty doctor, consultant psychologist and 2 registered mental health nurses. The service is due to be launched in April next year.

The ADHD support group, which consists of a number of people who care for someone with ADHD, are to be thanked as they appealed for funding for the service for a number of years. This is now being provided by Kirklees and Wakefield Primary Care Trusts.

Medical director Nisreen Booya said "Services for adults with ADHD are few and far between and this will be one of few provided across the country. It is essential that adults with ADHD get help to live life to the full and previously adults with ADHD had to travel as far as London to get the help they needed. This development shows that not only is the Trust responding to the needs of the communities it serves, but also that it is a progressive and forward thinking organisation."

Local NHS Trust to launch adult ADHD service in Kirklees and Wakefield

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