ADHD in Children and Young People (CYP)
It is characterised by severe and persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that in turn leads to significant impairment in development and function, affecting school life, family relationships, friendships, and self-esteem.
Diagnosing ADHD in CYP
ADHD Presentation in Girls
ADHD may be under-recognised/underdiagnosed in girls as they more commonly present with inattention and have lower comorbidity with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (which tends to prompt referral in boys).
Girls may also be more likely to receive an incorrect diagnosis of another mental health or neurodevelopmental condition instead of ADHD.
If symptoms are having an adverse effect on the CYP’s development or family life, options include:
- A period of watchful waiting of up to 10 weeks and encouraging self-help and simple behavioural management.
- Offering parents or carers a referral to group-based ADHD-focused support.
Penrose Health Action Plan
⚠️ Safety netting
Always review any safeguarding concerns (see Child Safeguarding).
Should a safeguarding concern arise → discuss with senior (GP or clinical meeting) and/or safeguarding lead.
Where to refer
Click link for details on referring: CYP ADHD Assessments & Diagnoses (Lambeth)
Specialist assessment is done through either the Community Paediatrics Services or Lambeth CAMHS, depending on age. Both services can also offer pharmacological intervention.
Click link for details on referring: Southwark Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Southwark CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Service (NDS) are a multi-disciplinary team who can assess/treat CYP suspected of having ADHD.
Click link for details on referring: Lewisham Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
What to do while awaiting specialist assessment
While a CYP is waiting for a service to consider a diagnosis, help can still be obtained from charities, health services, family support groups and the Local Authority; having no specific diagnosis should not stop CYP from receiving advice/support as needed.
- Early Help - Most parents, particularly of under 12 year old children, would benefit from attending a parenting group → consider referring to Early Help prior to assessment for ADHD:
- Lambeth: Children’s Social Care Lambeth
- Lewisham: Lewisham Early Help Services
- Southwark: Early Help CAMHS (EHCAMHS)
- If patient/parent feels that wait is too long, they can exercise a Right to Choose (RTC) referral. See ADHD 360 (Right to Choose) for more details.
- See Extra Support below for other services that might be useful while waiting.
Extra Support
Below are some services to which you can signpost patients for extra support. More services can be found on the Penrose Portal in Mental Health Services Database.
- Scenario: Management | Management | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | CKS | NICE
- Top Tips: ADHD in Children and Young People (medscape.co.uk)
- Southwark CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Service (NDS) | Southwark Local Offer
- Lewisham CAMHS (safeguardinglewisham.org.uk)camhs_referral_criteria__draft_v17a_jan_17.pdf (safeguardinglewisham.org.uk)