ADHD patients Face Growing Barriers to Care as NHS Access Dwindles
London, UK – A BBC examination reveals a growing crisis in ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) care across England, with dozens of NHS services restricting access to diagnosis and treatment, leaving thousands of patients in limbo. The findings,based on Freedom of Data requests to 59 services – representing the majority of providers in England – show a system struggling to meet demand,with wait times already averaging eight years from referral to assessment.
ADHD affects how the brain works, causing impulsivity and difficulty focusing. It’s estimated to impact 5% of children and 3-4% of adults, though many remain undiagnosed. Experts emphasize that a diagnosis and subsequent treatment, which can include medication and therapy, can dramatically improve quality of life.
Though, access to that life-changing care is becoming increasingly difficult. The investigation found that 15 NHS trusts have halted all or part of their referrals, with some closing waiting lists to specific geographic areas. In Cheshire, the adult ADHD service has been closed to new patients as 2019. A further 31 trusts are rationing care through exclusions based on age or symptom severity.
Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust is currently facing potential legal action for limiting adult assessments to individuals under 25.
For those facing closed or restricted NHS pathways, the “right to choose” option allows referrals to choice NHS lists or consideration of private care. Surrey is piloting an innovative approach, training private GPs to conduct assessments and provide treatment to help alleviate the pressure on its service, which currently has a waiting list of 11,000 adults.
