Demand measurement and trauma-aware adult assessment remain key pathway issues

Services need reliable distinctions between referrals, unique people waiting, completed assessments and diagnostic-letter delays. Assessment quality should remain person-centred and trauma-aware, addressing developmental history, adverse childhood experiences, masking, women’s health, menopause-related changes and differential diagnosis, with practical, psychoeducational and employment support available while people wait. Remote prescribing and shared-care pathways also require clear ownership of follow-up, medication monitoring and safety-information handoffs.