Almost 2.5m people in England likely to have ADHD, data shows

Independent

7 days ago

Almost 2.5 million people in England are likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), figures suggest.
It is the first time an estimate has been made publicly available of how common the condition may be among the population.
ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder and people with the condition may have trouble concentrating or sitting still.
Other symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetfulness, finding it hard to follow instructions or organise time, and making impulsive decisions.
According to NHS England, a total of 2,498,000 people may have ADHD, including those without a diagnosis.
Of this number, an estimated 741,000 are children and young people aged five to 24.
The figures were developed using estimates from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), which suggests that around 3-4% of adults and 5% of children and young people have ADHD.
While ADHD is not usually diagnosed in children under five – as some traits can be part of typical development – prevalence in youngsters aged four and under have been calculated to give an insight into how many may go on to be diagnosed in the future.
Some 147,000 under-fives are likely to have ADHD, according to the NHS estimates.
The figures also suggest that more than half a million people (549,000) in England were waiting for an ADHD assessment at the end of March 2025.
This is up from 416,000 a year earlier at the end of March 2024.
Of the 549,000 likely to be waiting for ADHD assessment in March this year, some 304,000 had been waiting at least a year while 144,000 had been waiting at least two years.
More than two-thirds (382,000) were aged between five and 24.
Louise Ansari, chief executive at Healthwatch England, said the figures are 'a first step in understanding the scale of demand for ADHD care'.
'Our new research highlights that many people with ADHD may simply be going without support,' she added.
'Long waits for assessments are one of the reasons people who show ADHD traits don't seek help, while those waiting for an assessment struggle to navigate the long waits.
'While we welcome today's publication, however, there is a way to go to ensure data is comprehensive and robust.
'A move to official waiting list data in the longer term would give a clearer picture of waiting times, including who is experiencing the longest waits and why.'
Estimates of how many adults in England are likely to be waiting for ADHD assessments is available dating back to 2019.
They show the the number of people aged 25 and over who were waiting at the end of March was 165,000, more than 10 times the pre-pandemic figure of 16,000 at the end of December 2019.
Comparable data for children and young adults is available only for the most recent 12 months and shows the number rose from an estimated 285,000 at the end of March 2024 to 384,000 at the end of March this year.
Pippa Sargent, chief executive of The Brain Charity, said: 'It's a hugely positive step that more people are coming forward for ADHD assessments. This shows increasing awareness, self-advocacy and a shift in how society understands neurodiversity.
'It is important to remember that, despite its challenges, the condition brings with it many strengths that should be celebrated.
'But with up to 549,000 people now waiting, the scale of unmet need is alarming. Without urgent investment in diagnostic services and ongoing support, too many are being left to struggle alone.'
An NHS spokesperson said: ' Patients are waiting too long for an ADHD assessment and diagnosis and that's why the NHS launched an independent taskforce to investigate the challenges facing services and help them manage the rising numbers of referrals, with support from across society.
'The ADHD taskforce will assess these important new figures and the best available evidence to inform its recommendations, bringing together those with lived experience and experts across a range of sectors to help find long-term solutions for patients.'