ADHD Assessment Waiting Times by NHS Area (2026)

The National Picture in 2026

ADHD referrals in England have increased by over 400% since 2019. NHS ADHD services were already underfunded before this surge, and the system has been overwhelmed. Key facts:

• The average adult ADHD assessment wait in England is estimated at 3–5 years.
• Some ICB areas have effective waits of 7+ years — meaning people referred in 2019 are still waiting.
• Children's ADHD waits are shorter on average (6–18 months) but vary hugely by area.
• Many NHS services have stopped accepting new referrals entirely, creating hidden waits not reflected in official figures.
• NHS England does not publish official ADHD-specific waiting time data — our figures come from FOI requests, patient reports, and service websites.

East of England Waiting Times

In the East of England — the region covered by ADHD Map — average adult ADHD assessment waits range from under 1 year to over 5 years depending on your ICB area:

• Norfolk & Waveney: Estimated 3–5+ year wait for adults. The ICB has faced significant pressure on ADHD services.
• Cambridgeshire & Peterborough: Estimated 2–4 year wait. CPFT has a dedicated adult ADHD service but long referral backlogs.
• Suffolk & North East Essex: Estimated 2–3 year wait. Right to Choose acceptance varies by GP practice.
• Hertfordshire & West Essex: Estimated 2–4 year wait. Several private providers operate in this area.
• Mid & South Essex: Estimated 18 months–3 years. Some GPs proactively offer Right to Choose referrals.
• Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes: Estimated 2–3 years. BLMK has relatively good Right to Choose support.

Why Are Waits So Long?

ADHD waiting times are a structural problem, not a temporary blip:

• Demand has surged: Awareness campaigns, social media, and post-pandemic reassessments have dramatically increased referrals — a positive development for patients, but one the NHS was not resourced for.
• Underfunding: ADHD services have historically received a tiny fraction of mental health budgets. Many areas had no dedicated adult ADHD service at all until recently.
• Workforce shortage: There are not enough qualified ADHD assessors in the UK. Training a consultant psychiatrist takes 13+ years.
• Diagnostic complexity: A thorough ADHD assessment takes 1–3 hours of specialist time, plus report writing. This limits throughput.
• No national strategy: Unlike cancer or cardiac care, ADHD has no national service specification, no mandated maximum wait time, and no ring-fenced funding.

What You Can Do Instead of Waiting

You do not have to wait 3–7 years. There are legitimate alternative routes to assessment:

1. 1

   Exercise your Right to Choose

   If you are in England, you can request your GP refer you to an approved private provider at NHS cost. Waits are typically 2–12 weeks. This is a legal right, not a favour.

2. 2

   Consider a private assessment

   Private ADHD assessments cost £350–£1,500 and can be booked within days to weeks. Look for CQC-registered providers so your diagnosis will be accepted by the NHS.

3. 3

   Ask about local pilot schemes

   Some ICBs have set up local ADHD assessment pathways with shorter waits. Ask your GP if any such schemes exist in your area.

4. 4

   Stay on the NHS list while exploring alternatives

   Getting a private assessment does not affect your place on the NHS waiting list. You can pursue both routes simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions