People diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are facing prolonged delays not only for assessments but also for receiving the medication they need to manage their condition.
Recent research highlights the significant benefits an ADHD diagnosis can bring. A survey revealed that the top three positive impacts were: self-understanding and acceptance (84%), new strategies for managing ADHD traits (58%), and improved mental health and wellbeing (58%).
Respondents also reported that medication helps address common ADHD traits, including impulsivity, poor organization, and difficulty concentrating.
“Being diagnosed at 61 and subsequently receiving medication has transformed my life. I can now read a book, take care of myself, and truly listen to others,” said a 50–64-year-old woman from County Durham.
Studies show ADHD medication can reduce the risk of suicidal behavior, substance misuse, transport accidents, and criminality. Our research found that 44% of respondents felt medication made it easier to manage their ADHD symptoms.
Yet, not everyone diagnosed receives treatment, sometimes due to medical contraindications such as heart conditions or high blood pressure, and often due to further waiting periods.
Why the wait?
According to NICE guidelines, ADHD medication must be initiated by a healthcare professional trained in ADHD diagnosis and management. Patients undergo comprehensive physical and mental health assessments, including an electrocardiogram (ECG), before medication selection.
The titration process—adjusting medication type and dosage—can take several months. Once the optimal regimen is established, the patient’s GP should assume prescribing under a shared care agreement. Annual medication reviews are also required.
Current waiting times
There are no official national statistics for ADHD medication waits. NHS provider websites indicate titration delays of up to a year. For instance, South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust reported average waits of 23.5 weeks in Merton and Sutton, and 30.7 weeks in Richmond. Private providers, such as Psychiatry UK, report up to 10 months between adult ADHD assessment and the start of titration.
Patients describe prolonged delays beyond assessments. One woman from Essex waited 20 months post-diagnosis to join a medication waiting list. Another young man from Cornwall faced a two-year wait after aging out of child services.
Barriers to GP prescribing
Even after titration, many patients struggle to get GPs to continue prescribing under shared care agreements. Some report long waits followed by rejection from their GP, leaving them without treatment. One patient from Darlington, after six years navigating assessments and titration, said: “It feels like a lack of empathy in GP surgeries has caused a lot of stress along with ridiculous waiting times!”
Shared care issues may partly result from previous GP collective action against NHS contract changes. While the BMA now supports the 2025/26 contract, guidance allowing GPs to refuse shared care remains in place, leaving some patients without NHS access to medication.
Impact on patients
The consequences are severe. Some are forced to pay privately for medication, straining finances. A Surrey single parent reported paying £110 monthly for ADHD medication after a GP refused shared care. Others who received private diagnoses face additional NHS waiting lists because some NHS services question the validity of private assessments.
One patient explained: “I initially received a private diagnosis. I then couldn’t afford the medication, and NHS services wouldn’t accept my private diagnosis. I had to wait again for an NHS assessment to confirm what I already knew—I have ADHD.”
The ongoing delays highlight systemic challenges in ensuring timely access to ADHD medication, leaving many patients struggling to manage their condition effectively.
