NHS ADHD Diagnosis Crisis Deepens

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } NHS ADHD Diagnosis Crisis DeepensHealth Services > HealthA recent surge in ADHD diagnoses has overwhelmed NHS services in England, leading to significant waiting times and closures of referral services. Reports indicate that some trusts face waits of over a decade for assessments, prompting concerns about access to necessary support and medication for patients.

What's happened

A recent surge in ADHD diagnoses has overwhelmed NHS services in England, leading to significant waiting times and closures of referral services. Reports indicate that some trusts face waits of over a decade for assessments, prompting concerns about access to necessary support and medication for patients.

Why it matters

What the papers say

According to Rebecca Thomas in The Independent, the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's decision to halt new referrals highlights a national crisis in ADHD services, stating, "Access to NHS ADHD services is a nationwide problem and not just a Leeds problem." Meanwhile, The Guardian's Amelia Hill reports that variations in autism diagnosis rates across NHS trusts indicate inconsistent approaches, with Dr. James Cusack from Autistica noting, "The huge variation in diagnosis shows that many ICBs are using their own initiatives." This inconsistency raises concerns about the adequacy of care provided to patients across different regions.

How we got here

Over the past two years, NHS ADHD services have struggled to meet rising demand, resulting in closures and long waiting lists. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence estimates that ADHD prevalence is underreported, exacerbating the crisis as private sector options also become overwhelmed.

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Common question

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