ADHD referrals for adults over 25 temporarily paused

An NHS trust has temporarily stopped accepting referrals for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessments for adults over 25, in an effort to reduce waiting lists for children.

Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust said any new referrals for adults over the age of 25 would be paused temporarily from 21 May.

More than 7,500 children and young people were currently waiting for an ADHD assessment in the region, the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) said.

A spokesperson added it "must act urgently" to reduce the backlog and the decision would allow it to redirect resources towards reducing the waiting list for children.

Under the temporary policy, only new referrals for ADHD diagnostics assessments for people under 25 would be commissioned, Coventry and Warwickshire ICB said.

The trust has also confirmed the decision would not affect referrals for any adults who had already been referred and those on the current waiting list would remain.

"We are urgently considering the implications of this ICB emergency policy for our services and will share further information in due course," a spokesperson added.

According to a BBC investigation, the trust had 1,675 adults on the waiting list for adult ADHD services in March 2024, with 120 assessments carried out in 2023.

Symptoms of ADHD can include a difficulty concentrating or focusing, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

In a statement announcing the policy, the ICB said its current ADHD assessment system was "not working effectively" with more than 10-year waiting times for some children.

"This is unacceptable and clearly signals the need for a different approach," it said.

It added it was committed to undertaking a "radical development and transformation" of ADHD services and the decision would free up clinical time and release funding.

"However, our clinical experts advise that the impact of an ADHD diagnosis is significantly more profound for children," a spokesperson said.

"For many children, a diagnosis can be life-changing, helping them stay in school, develop social skills, succeed in exams, and learn how to function and thrive in society."

The interim policy would remain in place until a new ADHD pathway which was fit for purpose and supported all residents was implemented, it said.

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