Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Service

• Waiting times​
• ADHD medication shortages​

The Leeds Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Service is taking action to address unsustainable levels of demand and an impossibly long waiting list. We are temporarily closed to new referrals.

Waiting times

Current waiting times

We are currently holding a waiting list of around 2,500 people and we are only able to see around 16 people per month.

For those already on our waiting list (before 11 October 2025), we will contact you when we are able to offer you a date for assessment. Our service is prioritising patients with the most urgent clinical needs, which means that if your symptoms are considered mild or moderate it is likely that wait will still be very long.

We have posted a range of information about other forms of advice and support or see our frequently asked questions for more information.

Our way forward

Our plan is to analyse our waiting list and prioritise our limited clinical resource to see and assess adults across Leeds with the highest clinical need as quickly as we can.

Whilst we are doing this, we’ll be working with our partners to develop a new assessment and treatment model which meets the needs of our patients in future.

Updates on the progress of a new assessment and treatment model will be posted on this website.

ADHD medication initiation waiting times

Last updated March 2026.

There are approximately 139 people on our medication initiation waiting list. We are currently booking appointments for people who were added to the list in early 2024.

ADHD assessments for children and younger people in Leeds

ADHD assessments for those under 18 registered with a GP in Leeds are carried out by the Neurodevelopmental Assessment Team within the Child and Young People’s Mental Health Service – hosted by Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust. Referrals to this service are still open but are subject to long waiting lists.

ADHD medication shortages

There are intermittent supply shortages of medications prescribed to help manage ADHD symptoms. This information has been produced to help our service users and their carers understand the shortage and how it may impact them.

What service users can do

If you are experiencing issues with getting hold of your supply of medication, we are asking you to:

• Check how much medication you have.
• Make sure you order your next supply in plenty of time.
• Only order medicine that you need, to help pharmacies manage supplies. If you over order and stockpile, this can make supply issues worse.
• Try a few different pharmacies in your local area if you cannot obtain your prescription from your usual pharmacy. You can search for your nearest pharmacies on the nhs.uk website.

What medicines are affected by the shortages?

Any of the medicines which are used to manage ADHD may be affected by shortages. The most up to date information regarding these shortages is available on the Specialist Pharmacy Service website.

For service users and carers:

There may be issues with supply of your medication, there are suitable alternatives available. If you are struggling to obtain a supply of your usual medication speak to:

• Your community pharmacist: they will be able to advise you regarding which products are currently available.
• Your usual prescriber: they will be able to make any necessary adjustments to your prescription to let you continue receiving treatment.

For primary care colleagues:

For advice on the management of supply interruptions, read continuing management of the ADHD medicines shortage on the Specialist Pharmacy Service website.

Where it is not possible to maintain a supply of the original or bioequivalent medication advice can be sought from the ADHD Team on a suitable alternative. Email the Leeds ADHD Service.

Referrals to the service for diagnosis / initiation of treatment are not affected by these shortages.