A postal questionnaire survey of senior clinical psychologists, child psychiatrists and community paediatricians in the Trent region (85% response) revealed that a total of 826 new ADHD cases were seen over the index period, 1997–1998. Approximately a third of these were adolescents. Wide variations in individuals' clinical caseloads, both within and between professional groups, were revealed. No respondent could identify any local formal transitional arrangements or adult services for older ADHD cases. This would suggest that there is a pressing need to establish such services for patients with ADHD irrespective of their age.