ADHD Boom: Private Firms Double Revenue, Concerns Rise

The taxpayer-funded market for ADHD assessment and treatment has experienced substantial growth, with private providers often doubling their revenues annually. London-based Care ADHD, established two years ago by former NHS executives, saw its revenues leap from £1.9 million to £37.1 million in its second year, largely funded by the NHS. This expansion occurs as more Britons utilize their right to NHS-funded private ADHD evaluations.

Concerns are mounting over the quality of private assessments, with allegations of "tick-box" approaches leading to inaccurate ADHD diagnoses. Clinicians report that some providers focus only on current symptoms, neglecting differential diagnoses or past mental health history, resulting in many patients requiring re-assessment. A review led by clinical psychologist Peter Fonagy is expected to recommend stricter controls on the NHS-funded private market, addressing fears that ordinary character traits are being over-medicalized.

This surge in private sector activity is partly attributed to the NHS's inability to meet demand, leading to lengthy waiting times. Companies like Clinical Partners have seen revenues double, driven by NHS-funded patients. Psychiatry-UK, a major provider, also reported significant revenue growth. The NHS is beginning to implement controls, with some Integrated Care Boards restricting the number of assessments they will fund and others imposing minimum wait times.

In response to quality concerns and lax oversight, particularly as companies offering assessment-only services are not always regulated by the Care Quality Commission, the NHS is taking action. For instance, Kent and Medway ICB has seen a 44-fold increase in spending and is imposing limits. Standard tariffs for assessments have been set, though significant price variations persist. A review is anticipated to lead to tighter regulatory oversight, potentially signaling the end of the boom period for some private providers.