NHS waiting times in Leicester for ADHD
A December 2023 / February 2024 FOI response gave the adult ADHD wait at approximately 150 weeks (nearly 3 years), with 2,382 adults waiting. A January 2025 Local Democracy Reporting Service investigation found 5,503 adults aged 18–65 waiting, with an average wait of approximately 89 weeks (around 20 months). LPT acknowledges that demand is "far in excess of what we are commissioned to provide." Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB has escalated to the national ADHD Taskforce.
Leicester's adult ADHD waiting list has grown significantly, with the January 2025 investigation identifying over 5,500 adults waiting. The ICB has escalated the situation nationally and capped Right to Choose capacity for 2026/27, reflecting one of the more acute demand management challenges in the East Midlands.
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB has capped Right to Choose ADHD assessment activity for 2026/27 and escalated the demand situation to the national ADHD Taskforce. Both the NHS Trust service and the Right to Choose route are operating under significant demand pressure.
Your options in Leicester
There are currently several routes to an adult ADHD assessment for people in Leicester.
Approximately 20 to 35 months, based on the most recent available data
Referrals accepted subject to GP assessment and local capacity.
Approximately 44 weeks through Right to Choose providers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB
LLR ICB has set Indicative Activity Plans limiting the number of Right to Choose ADHD assessments for 2026/27. Multiple providers are operating within tight caps in this area.
Within days
Private assessment by a GMC-registered consultant psychiatrist. £799 all inclusive. Full report within 7 days. No referral needed.
Ready to book your Leicester assessment?
Available by video call. No referral needed. Report within 7 days.
What a Distinct assessment involves
A Distinct assessment is a 60 to 90 minute structured clinical interview conducted by a GMC-registered consultant psychiatrist via secure video call. It uses the DIVA-5 diagnostic interview alongside validated symptom rating scales, following DSM-5 criteria throughout. You can attend from anywhere in England including Leicester, without travelling.
Before your appointment you complete a pre-assessment questionnaire covering your symptoms, history, and daily functioning. At the end of the consultation your psychiatrist shares their clinical conclusion verbally. Your full written report follows within 7 days.
All Distinct assessments are conducted directly by the consultant psychiatrist, not reviewed or countersigned by one. This distinction matters for GP acceptance and shared-care prescribing.
Your report and what it enables
Your written diagnostic report is delivered within 7 days of your consultation. It covers your symptom history, the DSM-5 criteria met, the impact on your daily functioning, and clinical recommendations for next steps. It includes a letter addressed to your GP summarising the findings.
Your report can also be used for workplace adjustments under the Equality Act, Disabled Students' Allowance applications, and DVLA disclosure where required. There is no time limit on when you can use it.
Most Leicester GPs will accept a diagnosis from a GMC-registered consultant psychiatrist for shared-care prescribing. NHS England guidance indicates GPs should not normally refuse prescribing following a diagnosis from a qualified specialist. We recommend discussing shared-care with your practice alongside booking your assessment. More on sharing your report with your GP.
Frequently asked questions
NHS waiting time data for Leicester reflects publicly available information from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust and the relevant ICB, current as of April 2026. Waiting times change and we recommend verifying current figures directly with your GP or the relevant trust.