Updates made to data
The data in this publication has been updated on 25th June 2026.
Data from Psych UK Limited was incomplete in the data published on 28th May 2026 due to delays in processing referrals. This missing data has now been submitted and as the next scheduled release of this publication is not until 27th August 2026 the information in this release has been updated to ensure data is as accurate and useful for users as possible.
25 June 2026 09:30 AM
Sub National Data
This release contains sub national information for the first time. Measures ADHD003 to ADHD007 are available at region and ICB level, broken down by age group in the 'Resources' area below.
28 May 2026 09:30 AM
Data submissions from February 2025 onwards
Data submissions from February 2025 onwards are not directly comparable to previous months due to new submissions from independent providers that have resulted in an increase in the number of open referrals.
28 May 2026 09:30 AM
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 2026, it is estimated that 2,492,000 people in England have ADHD, including those without a diagnosis.
Referrals for an ADHD assessment
In March 2026, there were up to 803,658 open referrals that may be for an ADHD assessment.
New referrals for an ADHD assessment
In March 2026, up to 32,375 new referrals were received to mental health services for a possible ADHD assessment.
Resources
Last edited: 24 June 2026 2:19 pm