UK ADULT ADHD Network

The UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) was established in March 2009 to provide support, education, research and training for mental health professionals working with adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). UKAAN was founded by a group of experienced mental health specialists who run clinical services for adults with ADHD within the National Health Service. The Network was established in response to UK guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2008) and the British Association for Psychopharmacology (Nutt et al., 2007), which, for the first time, gave evidence-based guidance on the need to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults as well as in children; and in response to the relative lack of training and support in this area for professionals working within adult mental health services.

The aim of UKAAN is to support clinicians in the development of clinical services for adults with ADHD. Further information on currently available services can be found on the Support Group page. Main aims include the following:

• Establishing valid protocols for the screening and assessment of ADHD in adults
• Providing links to diagnostic instruments
• Conferences and workshops on key topics
• Treating adults with ADHD in forensic settings
• The role of neuropsychology in the evaluation of ADHD in adults
• Improving occupational outcomes for adults with ADHD
• Establishing clinical services for adults with ADHD
• Running training programs for diagnosis, pharmacological treatments and non-pharmacological treatments
• UKAAN Handbook for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in adults
• Internet Support Group
• Research network to increase the evidence base for effective treatments