70% of GPs Say Adult ADHD Over-Diagnosis Common; Few Report Rejections from Private Providers

According to recent findings, a significant majority of general practitioners (GPs) believe that adult ADHD is diagnosed excessively, with seven out of ten expressing this concern. Some GPs indicated that they had never encountered a private provider who rejected an ADHD diagnosis.

Increased awareness regarding the condition has exacerbated the wait times for NHS assessments, compelling many patients to seek out private clinics instead. While some individuals may spend over £1,000 for a consultation, others may secure NHS referrals to assessors of their preference, ultimately funded by taxpayers.

A positive diagnosis can be crucial for benefits claims, such as personal independence payments, which have seen substantial growth in recent years. Family doctors believe that over 80% of patients referred for specialist evaluations end up receiving an ADHD diagnosis.

A survey conducted by the publication Pulse revealed widespread concerns among GPs regarding the superficiality of assessments, with fears that trauma and other mental health issues could be neglected. A GP from Berkshire shared that of the more than 1,000 patients they referred, only one did not receive a positive ADHD diagnosis.

Respondents also indicated that they perceived a higher diagnosis rate among patients referred to private providers compared to those going through NHS channels.

A diagnosis of ADHD can aid benefits claims, such as personal independence payments, which have soared in recent years

A GP based in Dorset noted: ‘While NHS services occasionally refrain from making a positive diagnosis, I’ve yet to see a private provider who does not give a positive diagnosis.’

This discussion comes ahead of the anticipated publication of a government-commissioned review addressing the rising demand for ADHD, autism, and mental health services. The review, led by clinical psychologist Professor Peter Fonagy, is expected to recommend expanding support based on needs rather than necessitating formal diagnoses.

Health officials have warned that the costs associated with meeting the ‘soaring’ demand for these services in England are becoming unsustainable. The NHS Alliance reported an increase in spending on ADHD and autism services, with some areas observing expenditures multiply up to ten times over a year.

One integrated care board (ICB) noted that its monthly spending had escalated from £146,000 during 2024/25 to £1.5 million last year. Another ICB projected an increase in spending on adult ADHD services from £11 million in 2023/24 to £51 million within the current financial year, according to Pulse.

This surge in demand has led to a rise in new service providers, spurred by the Right to Choose policy, which permits individuals seeking diagnoses for themselves or their children to select any qualified provider. However, the rapid influx of new providers raises quality assurance and regulatory concerns among ICBs.

Rebecca Gray, director of the NHS Alliance’s mental health network, remarked on the dilemma facing local health leaders, stating, ‘They acknowledge the distress caused by extensive delays for assessments, treatment, and support, but the initiative to address rising demand is met with uncontrollable costs.’

Another ICB reported that the number of providers it collaborates with has surged to 80, compared to just 12 to 14 two years ago. In stark contrast, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman indicated a more than 200% increase in complaints concerning ADHD and autism services over the past five years.

In a survey of 829 GPs, 410 deemed adult ADHD to be ‘very over-diagnosed,’ while 173 considered it ‘slightly over-diagnosed.’ A GP in Devon expressed concern that ADHD appears more socially acceptable as a diagnosis compared to conditions like PTSD. They remarked, ‘I’m amazed by the superficial nature of some assessments, often neglecting patients’ significant histories of trauma or adverse childhood experiences.’

Dr. Liz Clarke, a GP in Greater Manchester, highlighted that the existing model of single-pathway diagnoses does not support a holistic assessment of patients, thus increasing the risk of overdiagnosis as the focus remains narrowly on a single potential cause. She also warned of potential harm, suggesting that misdiagnosis could lead to inappropriate medications or psychological interventions.

The Government stated that Professor Fonagy’s final report will be released soon and is expected to shape a new national approach in this critical area.