An estimated 2.5 million individuals in England may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to recent estimates from NHS England. This figure includes approximately 741,000 children and young adults aged five to 24, as well as around 147,000 children under the age of five.
As of March 2025, over half a million people—549,000—were on the waiting list for an ADHD assessment. This number marks a significant increase from 416,000 the previous year. Out of those awaiting assessment, 304,000 individuals have been waiting for more than a year, and 144,000 have been in the queue for at least two years. The majority of those affected, approximately 382,000, fall within the age range of five to 24.
Louise Ansari, chief executive of Healthwatch England, pointed out that many individuals with ADHD avoid seeking help due to the lengthy assessment delays. She emphasized the need for improved data collection to better understand the ADHD landscape in the UK and to address the growing concerns regarding access to diagnosis and treatment.
This situation highlights the urgent need for a more efficient process in identifying and diagnosing ADHD to ensure that individuals receive the support they need in a timely manner.
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