Summary
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is defined by the World Health Organization as being characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that has a direct negative impact on academic, occupational, or social functioning, the level of which is outside the limits of normal variation expected for age and level of intellectual functioning. Historically there has been no specific data publicly available about people with ADHD. The ADHD data improvement plan highlighted the need to make use of and publish existing data held by NHS England in this area whilst also working to improve data quality.
In this initial publication data is available on the following areas: estimated prevalence of ADHD, the number of people who may be waiting for ADHD assessments, including how long they have been waiting.
A full list of measures currently contained in the publication is published in a data dictionary alongside each release
Key Facts
Estimated number of people with ADHD
In May 2025 it is estimated that 2,498,000 people in England have ADHD, including those without a diagnosis.
People waiting for an ADHD assessment
In March 2025, up to 549,000 people may be waiting for an ADHD assessment.
New referrals for an ADHD assessment
In March 2025 up to 20,000 people were newly referred for an ADHD assessment to mental health services.
Resources
Last edited: 19 August 2025 4:03 pm