December 2025
We welcome the Government’s new Mental Health Prevalence Review, and we want to make sure that both robust evidence and lived experience sit at the heart of this process. We have already been involved in initial discussions around the topic, and have been reassured that this is the case.
As a charity supporting thousands of adults with ADHD, we see every day the profound impact that long waits, inconsistent pathways, and fragmented provision have on people’s lives. An evidence-led review of rising demand is both welcome and urgently needed. We are encouraged that this review will listen to those with lived experience and focus on practical solutions that ensure every individual receives the right support at the right time.
This is a valuable opportunity to examine rising demand for support — including among people with ADHD — but only if we make sure ADHD is named, understood and acted on.
For too long, ADHD has lurked in the shadows of “mental health”, often misunderstood or dismissed. Yet we know that ADHD is a recognised neurodevelopmental difference — not just a “behaviour problem” — and it can bring real, lasting challenges if people can’t access the right support.
Here’s what we believe needs to happen through this review:
ADHD must be treated as distinct from common mental health issues — so policy, services and support recognise neurodivergence as a separate, valid experience.
Lived experience must be central. People with ADHD — adults and young people — need a real voice in shaping the review’s questions, methods and outcomes.
Existing evidence must be highlighted. While recent research shows many ADHD-prevalence studies are still low quality, this underlines the urgency for robust data — not ignoring ADHD until “perfect” evidence emerges.
Outcomes must lead to action. If this review just produces another report, we risk being part of a cycle of hope → hearing → disappointment. We want concrete improvements: better access, shorter wait times, accurate recognition, and real support for neurodivergent adults.
We’re committed to working with lived experience, researchers, policymakers and the neurodivergent community so that ADHD doesn’t get sidelined.
June 2025
We warmly welcome the publication of the Independent ADHD Taskforce Part 1 Report, and we’re proud to have contributed lived‑experience insight to this important work. Today’s interim findings mark a significant leap forward in setting out clear, evidence‑based steps to improve ADHD support across England.
“Receiving a timely assessment for ADHD, and support if diagnosed, can help to improve people’s mental health, self‑esteem, and their ability to work and study.” As highlighted by Healthwatch, support, even while waiting, is critical . We echo this sentiment: no one should endure multi-year waits for recognition and care.
This report reflects our charity’s ongoing focus on:
Early, non‑diagnosis-dependent support in schools, communities, and primary care.
Better coordination across health, education, social care, and employment.
Fair and equitable access—regardless of postcode, socio‑economic background, or age.
The twelve urgent recommendations—spanning leadership, training, digital innovation, data transparency, adult services, and tackling inequalities—provide a practical roadmap for system-wide transformation.
We also recognise that Part 2, expected later in 2025, will importantly outline implementation strategies and cross-system accountability measures.
What we’re calling for:
Prompt progress by NHS England and partners on implementing the interim recommendations.
Inclusion of lived experience in designing new services and policies.
Transparency and tracking of wait times across children and adult ADHD services.
Our charity remains committed to advancing awareness, improving access, and delivering community‑based support. Together with individuals, families, professionals, and policymakers, we’re ready to help turn today’s proposals into real‑world improvements.
September 2023
Shortage of ADHD Medication
We have been made aware by a number of people that there are currently nationwide shortages of ADHD medication in the UK. This has also led to some NHS services pausing medication titration as they cannot obtain the necessary medication.
If you are running out of medication, or have run out of medication, it might be worthwhile to use the Boots Pharmacy Stock Checking website prescription checking service to see if there is a Boots Pharmacy near you that has any medication in stock. Checking any local independent pharmacies might also be a useful approach as they have different supply chains.
If we hear any more news on this, we will update the website and social media.
National Diversity Awards 2023.
ADHDadultUK was proud to attend the National Diversity Awards where we were shortlisted for the Award for Community Organisation Award for Disability.
The Trustees would like to thank everyone who nominated us, voted for us, our incredible volunteers and our Discord community. This award is for all of you.
July 2023
Article in The i.
Our co-founder and trustee Dr James Brown contributed to an article in The i newspaper on ‘ADHD and time blindness’. You can read the article here.
May 2023
Forbes article.
Dr James Brown was quoted in an article in Forbes magazine in response to the BBC panorama investigation ‘Private ADHD Clinics Exposed’. You can read the article here.
CN Traveller article.
Dr James Brown contributed to an article on how ADHD can impact packing for holiday is written by Anita Bhagwandas. You can read the article here.
Woo article.
Dr James Brown was interviewed for Woo on where to go to get help. If you want an ADHD diagnosis. You can be the interview here.
April 2023
ITVx article.
Dr James Brown was involved in a story published by ITV ex on the difficulty of women in Wales, obtaining an ADHD assessment. You can read the story here.
Learning Disability Today article.
Dr James Brown was interviewed by learning disability today about the topic of addiction in ADHD. You can read the article here.