Waiting times for mental health assessments vary, influenced by factors such as existing diagnoses and a surge in demand for ADHD services.

Similarly, a local resident expressed that the prolonged wait has worsened his ADHD symptoms, further impacting his personal and professional life.

At the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust, adults are waiting an average of 618 days for ADHD assessments, a figure revealed through a Freedom of Information request made in June 2025.

Across the country, NHS waiting times for ADHD assessments are escalating, with some children waiting up to four years and adults up to eight years for diagnosis.

The NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board has acknowledged these long delays, citing increased demand and the need for a specialized workforce to meet the rising needs.

Thea Stein, chief executive of the Nuffield Trust, mentioned that the reasons behind the surge in adult ADHD assessments are unclear, but many adults may have had undiagnosed symptoms in childhood.

A man from Spennymoor shared his personal struggles during the lengthy wait, which has caused relationship and career issues, and he has received minimal updates about his status over nearly three years.