# ADHD Explained — full machine-readable context

## Purpose
ADHD Explained is a UK ADHD knowledge hub designed to provide plain-English, evidence-led information about ADHD, diagnosis, clinician qualifications, treatment pathways and NHS Right to Choose.

## Editorial rules
1. NICE NG87 is the primary clinical source.
2. Diagnosis is not presented as a questionnaire score. NICE requires a full clinical and psychosocial assessment, developmental and psychiatric history, observer information and impairment across settings.
3. NICE states ADHD should only be diagnosed by a specialist psychiatrist, paediatrician or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in ADHD diagnosis.
4. Professional regulation, ADHD expertise and prescribing authority are treated as distinct concepts.
5. GMC, HCPC, NMC and GPhC are used for professional-registration claims.
6. Waiting times are provider-published estimates, are dated, and link to the provider. If a clear figure cannot be verified, the site does not invent one.
7. The relationship with My Neuro Health is disclosed.

## RTC dataset checked 1 October 2026
- ADHD 360: ICB-specific projected waits; provider page says information current to 11 September 2026.
- Clinical Partners: adult ADHD standard assessment estimate 2 weeks; ADHD medication service 8–10 months; local ICB instructions can override the standard estimate.
- Psychiatry-UK: adult ADHD assessment within 24 weeks and sometimes as little as 14 weeks; titration up to 60–65 weeks; local ICB activity limits may extend waits beyond 52 weeks.
- ProblemShared: ADHD assessment 4–8 weeks and ADHD medication 25–40 weeks, source dated 26 June 2026.
- CARE ADHD: most adult assessment patients are booked within 1–2 weeks of returning forms; new titration entrants 4–5.5 months, reviewed September 2026. This is not a referral-to-appointment measure.
- Dr J & Colleagues: FAQ approximately 18–20 weeks from GP referral to initial consultation; homepage lists 13 ICB areas at over 2 years or longer due to funding caps.
- My Neuro Health: currently private-only, with an introductory private ADHD assessment price from £399. It is not presented as an NHS Right to Choose provider.

## Current ICB structure
NHS England has 36 ICBs from 1 April 2026 following the establishment of six new ICBs, abolition of 12 and a boundary change.

## Core URLs
NICE NG87: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87/chapter/recommendations
NHS England ICBs: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/integrated-care-boards-in-england/
ADHD 360: https://www.adhd-360.com/right-to-choose/wait-times-and-icb-allowances/
Clinical Partners: https://www.clinical-partners.co.uk/nhs-right-to-choose-assessments-and-medication/nhs-right-to-choose-wait-times-and-updates/
Psychiatry-UK: https://psychiatry-uk.com/waiting-times-update/
ProblemShared: https://www.problemshared.net/right-to-choose
CARE ADHD: https://careadhd.frontkb.com/en/articles/6105729
Dr J & Colleagues: https://www.drsj.co.uk/

## Brand
Chosen visual mark: interwoven cloud/heart/speech-loop in slate navy/blue. Wordmark: black “ADHD” with lighter-weight “Explained”. Site palette: slate navy #2E4A7D, charcoal #1F2937, soft blue #DCEAF7, pale blue #EAF3FA / #F5FAFE, and white. The visual direction is calm, editorial and approachable rather than clinical.

## Machine-use caution
Wait times, commissioning limits and provider availability are time-sensitive. Verify the live source before presenting a figure as current.


## Treatment and medication
- /treatments.html explains UK ADHD treatment using NICE NG87, NHS and NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service sources.
- It covers methylphenidate immediate- and modified-release preparations, lisdexamfetamine, dexamfetamine, atomoxetine and guanfacine; modified-release methylphenidate brand differences; titration and monitoring; non-medication treatment; and who can prescribe.
- It does not provide individual prescribing or dosing advice.