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Seven in ten GPs say adult ADHD is over-diagnosed and some have NEVER seen a private clinic reject a patient

From the Newshound archive · first published 21 September 2026 · last updated 22 September 2026.

A woman with ADHD, as a government-commissioned review prepares to find that private clinics are misdiagnosing children — with one GP reporting just a single patient returned without a positive diagnosis among more than…
A woman with ADHD, as a government-commissioned review prepares to find that private clinics are misdiagnosing children — with one GP reporting just a single patient returned without a positive diagnosis among more than…

A survey of family doctors has delivered a damning verdict on private ADHD services: 70 per cent of GPs believe adult ADHD is over-diagnosed, and some say they have never once seen a private clinic refuse a patient a diagnosis. One Berkshire GP reported that out of more than 1,000 patients sent for specialist assessment, only one came back without a positive result. Private assessments can cost upwards of £1,000; others are funded through the NHS, with diagnoses unlocking personal independence payments that have climbed sharply in recent years.

A government-commissioned review led by Professor Peter Fonagy is expected to recommend dropping the requirement for a formal diagnosis before patients can access support.

Private ADHD clinics are also accused of misdiagnosing children, according to a separate report due to be published imminently.

MoreFinancial TimesPrivate ADHD clinics are misdiagnosing children, report will sayHealth and MeAmid Increasing Cases, 7 Out Of 10 GPs In The UK Say Adult ADHD Is Overdiagnosed - Health and Me
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