Survey finds widespread GP concern over adult ADHD overdiagnosis
A Pulse survey suggests many GPs believe adult ADHD is being over-diagnosed, with concerns that some private assessments may be superficial and overlook trauma or other mental health conditions. Rising awareness and lengthy NHS waiting lists have increased reliance on private providers, while the issue comes ahead of a government review into demand for ADHD, autism and mental health services.
Of 829 GPs surveyed, 410 described adult ADHD as “very over-diagnosed” and 173 as “slightly over-diagnosed”; respondents estimated that more than eight in ten referred patients eventually received a diagnosis. NHS spending has risen sharply in some areas, including one integrated care board’s monthly expenditure from £146,000 to £1.5 million and another’s adult ADHD budget from £11 million to a projected £51 million, while complaints about ADHD and autism services have increased by more than 200 per cent in five years.
- GPs raise concerns about adult ADHD over-diagnosis.
- Private providers face scrutiny over assessment quality.
- Demand and NHS spending have risen sharply.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The survey may indicate that adult ADHD is being diagnosed too readily, particularly where rushed private assessments fail to distinguish ADHD from trauma, anxiety or other conditions. High diagnosis rates, rapidly rising NHS expenditure and growing complaints could suggest that demand and commercial incentives are outpacing robust assessment, warranting stronger standards and careful government review.
The case against
Rising diagnoses may largely reflect greater awareness of a longstanding, under-recognised condition, with many adults who were missed in childhood finally seeking help. Long NHS waiting lists can push people towards private providers, while increased spending and complaints may reflect unmet need and improved willingness to report problems rather than overdiagnosis; broad concerns should therefore not undermine access for people with genuine ADHD.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “Seven in ten GPs believe adult ADHD is over-diagnosed and some have NEVER known a private provider reject a diagnosis”.