A recent decision by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust to temporarily stop accepting new referrals to its adult ADHD service has raised concern among patients. For individuals struggling with concentration, organisation, emotional regulation, and daily impacts of ADHD, delays in assessment can have a significant effect on wellbeing, work, and relationships.
Berkshire’s adult ADHD service paused new referrals from 1 December 2025 after demand for assessments surged far beyond its capacity. The trust explained that the temporary measure allows them to focus on existing patients while redesigning the service to meet demand safely and effectively.
One patient, diagnosed at the age of 48, described her referral as crucial and said stopping new referrals would be “devastating” for those still waiting for help. Before diagnosis and treatment, she experienced overwhelming thoughts, poor concentration, and disrupted sleep. After starting medication, she said it felt like her brain had “been reorganised,” giving her clarity, improved focus, better sleep, and greater productivity at work and home.
Berkshire is not alone in pausing referrals. Many NHS adult ADHD services across England are under immense pressure due to a steep rise in demand. Some trusts have had to close waiting lists or introduce stricter criteria to manage workloads effectively.
Many services are now receiving more referrals in a single month than they used to handle in an entire year. Waiting lists have grown significantly, with hundreds or even thousands of people waiting for an initial assessment. Average waiting times for adult ADHD assessments can stretch to several years, while children’s services also face long delays.
The challenges faced by Berkshire reflect a nationwide issue. Rising demand for ADHD assessments has placed significant strain on NHS resources. Some trusts are introducing temporary measures to cope, while others are exploring partnerships with independent providers to help reduce waiting times.
This situation has highlighted the urgent need for better funding, improved GP training, and more coordinated care to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Without access to proper assessment and support, individuals with ADHD may continue to struggle with mental health challenges, work performance, and day-to-day life.
Receiving a formal ADHD diagnosis can be life-changing. It helps people understand their behaviour, develop coping strategies, and improve confidence and function at work and home. Without timely assessment and access to interventions — including therapy, medication, or workplace adjustments — many adults face unnecessary challenges and prolonged stress.
Long waiting times leave people in limbo, unable to access evidence-based care that could significantly improve their quality of life.
While the pause in new referrals is temporary, it underscores the growing demand for adult ADHD services. NHS trusts are working to redesign pathways and manage backlogs, but there is a clear need for increased resources and national coordination. For patients, this highlights the importance of advocacy and awareness to ensure timely access to life-changing care.
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