Desperate patients using unregulated ADHD services due to long NHS waiting lists
Report warns of ‘two-tier access’ to ADHD treatment
- An ADHD taskforce has reported that NHS waiting lists for diagnosis and support are unacceptably long, necessitating a system overhaul.
- The inability to access NHS services has led to a significant rise in unregulated private providers, creating a two-tier system and exacerbating health inequalities.
- The taskforce recommends timely recognition and early support for suspected ADHD across all settings, particularly schools, to prevent future adverse impacts.
- The report found no evidence of ADHD over-diagnosis in the UK, noting lower recognition and treatment rates compared to other European countries, with untreated ADHD costing the economy £17 billion.
- NHS England acknowledges the long waits and the need for improved ADHD assessment and care, with new data collection and government aims for school mental health support.