New Report Highlights Urgent Need for Better ADHD Support in Adults
A new Healthwatch England report, Recognising ADHD: How to improve support for people who need it, reveals the growing challenges adults face in getting assessed and supported for ADHD. It highlights long waits, limited access to services, and the serious impacts ADHD can have on people’s daily lives – particularly for those who are undiagnosed or awaiting assessment.
What we heard
Through national polling and surveys, over 5,600 people shared their experiences. The findings are stark:
- Over 60% of those diagnosed reported ADHD negatively affected their work, mental health, and relationships.
- Nearly half of people waiting for an NHS assessment had already waited more than a year.
- Many people felt abandoned while waiting, receiving little or no support, and some were advised to go private – creating a two-tier system based on ability to pay.
Despite these challenges, a diagnosis can be life-changing. People told us it helped them better understand themselves, manage their mental health, and seek support at work and home.
What needs to change
We’re calling for:
- ADHD assessments and support to be delivered closer to home.
- Better communication and practical help for those waiting.
- Updated NICE guidance to reflect community-based care.
- More support for employers to offer reasonable adjustments.
- Official NHS data on waiting times to help tackle inequalities.
This report supports the work of the national ADHD taskforce and aims to ensure the voices of people with lived experience help shape future improvements.
📘 Read the full report:
