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ADHD and autism at risk of over-diagnosis, says government review
The review says support should start before diagnosis and warns private assessments need tighter oversight as 560,000 people wait for ADHD checks.
- On Friday, a major government-ordered review led by Professor Peter Fonagy urged that children receive ADHD and autism support based on need rather than formal diagnosis, calling for "radical reform" to ease the system's "immense strain."
- Waiting lists for ADHD assessments hit 560,000 by December 2025, more than 17 times the 2019 level, prompting the review and revealing that the current system "falls short" of patient needs.
- Private ADHD provision costs have risen by around 252% in three years, yet lack consistent oversight or quality assurance, the authors said, warning of an "increased risk of misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis."
- Health Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed the government will set out its response in a new Mental Health Strategy before year-end, including reassessment of waiting lists to prioritize highest-need cases.
- Integrating support into schools and community hubs will provide early intervention, moving away from the "diagnosis-dependent system" that historically served as the sole gateway for young people seeking NHS help.
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Government Review Says ADHD Overdiagnosed
The official review into ordered by Wes Streeting has concluded there is a real risk of ADHD and autism being over-diagnosed. Streeting launched it ten months ago after claiming young people were being over-diagnosed and “written off”. He was attacked for it at the time – the experts now agree with him… The review found…
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources19
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 30%
C 50%
R 20%
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