Adult ADHD assessments and diagnosis: data and service provision
Think tank: The King’s Fund
Author(s): Deborah Fenney; Nicola Blythe
June 3, 2025
This report from UK think tank the King’s Fund examines data on adult ADHD assessment and diagnosis services in England.
This report, produced by the University of York and The King’s Fund, examines data on adult ADHD assessment and diagnosis services in England. It finds rising demand and long waiting lists, but a lack of consistent national data means the overall picture remains unclear. There is significant variation in how NHS services collect, record and use data, with no agreed national standards. This leads to inconsistent reporting on referrals, waiting times and diagnoses, making it difficult to compare performance or plan services effectively.
The report highlights wide differences in referral and triage processes, which affect prioritisation and risk creating inequities. Data on patient demographics and outcomes is often incomplete, limiting understanding of inequalities and service impact. At the same time, growing demand and workforce pressures restrict the ability of services to improve data quality and delivery. It concludes that developing standardised, high-quality data is essential to improving ADHD services.
The report recommends national guidance on data collection and reporting, clearer coding standards, and stronger engagement with providers to support more consistent and effective service planning.
