NHS limiting ADHD assessments to save money despite soaring demand | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
The NHS is restricting people from being assessed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to save money but not telling GPs or patients despite growing demand for the service.
More than half of the NHS’s 42 integrated care boards (ICBs) in England have introduced limits on how many people can be assessed for ADHD in 2025-26, according to freedom of information responses.
Of the 22 ICBs that set limits, 13 did not notify GPs and 12 did not notify patients awaiting ADHD assessment.
The charity ADHD UK, which obtained the figures, said the NHS’s lack of communication showed it was trying to conceal the widespread use of “draconian” restrictions on assessment to cope with a squeeze on its budget.
Henry Shelford, chief executive of ADHD UK, said: “Waiting times for assessments are already horrifyingly long and it’s shocking to see how the NHS is rationalizing their care even more to save people money. “It’s cruel but increasingly common.
“We are seeing ICBs denying patients access to ADHD assessment without telling GPs or patients that they are doing so and without making any assessment of their outcomes.
“The NHS should be ashamed of themselves for this kind of secrecy and hiding the fact that they are depriving people of this vital care.”
Adults and children awaiting ADHD assessment in many parts of England We were already facing long delays – up to eight years – when making an appointment. Shelford said limiting access to assessments would force affected people to wait even longer.
Government’s ADHD taskforce warned with a report In November, it was reported that people with ADHD who are not evaluated may have difficulty working or going to school. It has been stated that lack of support costs £17bn a year through crime, educational failure, drug use, suicide and mental health problems.
“People with suspected ADHD need a full evaluation as soon as possible so they can receive treatment and move on with their lives,” Shelford said.
“And GPs need to know whether a patient on a waiting list should be assessed, desperate to find out if they have ADHD. How can they properly advise and care for their patients if they don’t know what’s going on?”
In its FoI response to ADHD UK, the North Central London ICB confirmed that it has put in place indicative action plans (IAPs) that limit the number of appointments it will pay for for both ADHD and autism assessments.
Although it had carried out an impact assessment, it had not made any communications to either GPs or patients explaining the move. When the response was filed last October, a total of 8,583 people were waiting to be assessed for ADHD and 1,306 for autism across the five London boroughs it covers.
However, 10 ICBs said they informed family physicians and influenced patients.
Other ICBs (regional NHS bodies) that restrict access but do not provide information to GPs or patients include those in Kent and Medway, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.
The Guardian revealed on Monday that NHS spending on ADHD services was £164 million over budget this year due to record demand for assessments.
Despite the widespread use of IAPs, people seeking an ADHD assessment can still join the waiting list, NHS England said.
A spokesman said: “Allegations that payment plan offers are designed to restrict patients’ choice and access to ADHD services are false and GPs can continue to make referrals where clinically appropriate.
“As we work to put ADHD services on a more sustainable basis, these proposals are designed to respect patients’ right to choice, improve the consistency and quality of care, and ultimately deliver fully funded and effective pathways for all patients across England.”
The reasons behind the rise in diagnoses of ADHD, autism and mental illness in recent years will be examined in a review ordered by health secretary Wes Streeting last month.
