Waiting Well: A mixed-methods study to evaluate the potential for a digital psychoeducation tool to support adults on the waiting list for ADHD diagnostic assessment
NIHR supportRecorded as supported by this research centre
PeriodMar 2025 — Jul 2026
In plain English
AI plain-English summary
Adults in England are waiting up to five years for an ADHD assessment, with no structured support during that time. This matters because long waits for diagnosis don't just delay treatment—they actively harm mental health, finances, and relationships. Psychoeducation—teaching people about ADHD and how to manage it—is known to help, but it is rarely offered to those on waiting lists, and when it is, the materials are often outdated paper leaflets. The project asks whether a digital tool could fill that gap. If the research succeeds, the result would be a user-friendly online resource providing up-to-date, practical information to people stuck in the diagnostic queue. That could reduce distress and improve daily functioning for thousands of adults who currently receive nothing while they wait. The tool would not replace clinical assessment, but it might turn a passive, damaging wait into an active period of self-management. Over 15 months, the team will gather input from adults with lived experience, healthcare professionals, and existing evidence, then co-design a prototype and plan how to test it properly. The findings will be shared openly with the ADHD community and published in academic outlets.
View original technical description
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects many adults worldwide, causing challenges with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In England, growing awareness has led to more adults seeking assessment and support, but specialist services are limited, leaving adults waiting for up to five years. These long waiting times can lead to mental health issues, financial struggles, and strained relationships, particularly for those who remain undiagnosed. Psychoeducation, which provides information about ADHD, is an effective tool that can help individuals understand their condition and manage its impact. Despite its benefits, psychoeducation is not consistently provided to adults on waiting lists and is often delivered through outdated written materials. This project aims to explore the potential of a digital psychoeducation tool to support adults awaiting ADHD assessment. The tool would provide accessible, up-to-date information to help individuals while they wait. Over 15 months, the research team will conduct five work packages. These include forming a panel of individuals with lived experience of waiting for ADHD assessment, reviewing scientific evidence, interviewing adults and healthcare professionals to gather insights, designing the tool with input from experts, and planning future evaluations. The project ensures the involvement of those with lived experience at every stage. The ultimate goal is to develop a user-friendly digital tool that offers practical support during the waiting period, potentially reducing distress and improving outcomes for adults with ADHD. Findings from this study will guide the tool's development and evaluation, contributing valuable knowledge to ADHD services. The results will be shared with the ADHD community and the public through co-created materials and academic publications, ensuring the project’s impact reaches those who need it most.
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