From the Guardian · · 2m
NHS plan to limit ADHD diagnoses sparks rationing row
A government review proposes triaging ADHD patients and offering support without formal diagnosis, drawing fierce criticism from health experts.
In brief
A government review proposes triaging ADHD patients and offering support without formal diagnosis, drawing fierce criticism from health experts. The NHS may stop automatically diagnosing ADHD and instead offer support based on need, but experts warn this amounts to rationing care and could push people toward…
NHS plans to stop automatic ADHD diagnoses
A government review due next week will recommend that not all ADHD patients receive formal diagnoses. Instead, the NHS will triage people and offer support based on their needs, targeting those most severely affected.
Who would still get diagnosed
Only patients who would benefit from formal diagnosis, such as those needing medication, would be referred to ADHD clinics. Others would receive targeted support without a diagnosis label.
What support would look like instead
Patients would get one-to-one help in school, quiet rooms, parenting classes, and flexible work hours. Support would be based on a holistic assessment of their difficulties and ability to cope.
Why the review was commissioned
The government ordered the review in December after concerns about rising sickness benefit claims linked to ADHD, autism, and mental health diagnoses. Eight hundred thousand people currently wait for NHS ADHD assessments.
Experts call it healthcare rationing
ADHD UK's chief executive Henry Shelford said the plan amounts to rationing. He warned that without formal diagnosis, people would self-diagnose via social media instead of getting proper clinical assessment.
“Without a formal diagnosis, it appears we will be left to self-diagnose via social media.”
ADHD carries serious health risks
Shelford noted that women with ADHD die nine years younger than their peers on average, and men seven years younger. He said these figures would be treated as a health emergency in any other condition.
“In almost any other area, those numbers would have this treated as a health emergency.”
Diagnosis unlocks employment and recovery
Shelford argued that formal diagnosis helps people turn their lives around and return to work. He noted the NHS spent 574 million pounds on a weight-loss drug last year because treatment enables people to work.
“Diagnosis means people turning their lives around, more people in employment and succeeding in careers.”
Concerns about inequality and access
The National Autistic Society warned that denying diagnosis would worsen inequalities for autistic people. The Centre for Mental Health said people need speedy access to effective help, whether or not diagnosis is involved.
“Denying people a diagnosis will only worsen inequalities experienced by people who are autistic.”
The essence
The NHS may stop automatically diagnosing ADHD and instead offer support based on need, but experts warn this amounts to rationing care and could push people toward unverified online self-diagnosis.
