- ADHD and autism are at increased risk of overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis, a major government-ordered review has found, which calls for “radical reform” to support patients as waiting lists spiral.
- Ordered by former health secretary Wes Streeting, the review found the current system in England “falls short”, with people waiting years in some cases because help is “locked behind waiting for a diagnosis”.
- The review was commissioned after waiting lists for ADHD assessments hit 560,000 in December of last year – more than 17 times the recorded number in 2019.
- “Having ADHD- or autism-related traits does not necessarily mean someone has a diagnosable condition,” the authors said.
- The Government has pledged a major overhaul of mental health support with a renewed focus on prevention and early help, including greater support in schools, colleges and communities.
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