Overview
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting commissioned an independent clinical review focused on possible overdiagnosis across ADHD, autism and certain mental health conditions, with no new policy changes announced.
- Commentary from clinicians and advocates argues ADHD remains widely underdiagnosed in the UK, citing studies suggesting 3–4% prevalence versus fewer than 1% formally diagnosed.
- Government concern is tied to sharply rising benefits data, with reported PIP claims for ADHD increasing from under 30,000 in 2020 to nearly 80,000 this year, alongside a jump in overall disability claims since the pandemic.
- Critics of the review say it risks diverting attention from long NHS waits, scarce services and social determinants of distress, while supporters call for clearer evidence on diagnostic trends and workforce impacts.
- Coverage highlights cultural and health factors behind demand, including greater awareness, surges in online self‑testing, post‑viral and comorbidity concerns, and annual increases in ADHD prescriptions since the pandemic.