ADHD Care: A 'Wild West' for Patients?

The 'right to choose' system for ADHD assessments in the UK, intended to reduce long waiting lists, is facing severe criticism for its lack of regulation and inconsistent standards. This pathway allows NHS patients to select private providers, but the absence of clear national frameworks for qualifications and assessment rigor has created a 'wild west' environment. Experts warn that this poorly managed system, driven by profit and aggressive promotion, leaves vulnerable individuals in administrative limbo, unable to secure necessary treatment.

Tragic cases, like that of Ryan, highlight the dire consequences of these systemic failures. Despite being diagnosed with ADHD by a private provider, Ryan struggled to link his assessment with GP shared-care, experiencing significant delays and a critical breakdown in communication. His story underscores how the system's demand for stability exacerbates the crisis for those already struggling, leading to missed support and devastating outcomes. The lack of responsibility and coordination between services has been a recurring issue.

Psychiatrists and psychologists are raising alarms about the quality of assessments and the potential for misdiagnosis due to insufficient clinician training and vague guidelines. Calls are mounting for the NHS to halt uncontrolled spending through this channel and redirect funds to improve existing NHS pathways with stringent quality standards. While private providers emphasize their role in increasing capacity, they acknowledge the urgent need to address 'shared care' challenges to prevent further patient harm.