- 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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