A majority of general practitioners (GPs) in England believe that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is being overdiagnosed, according to a recent survey of 829 GPs conducted by a medical publication. The survey found that approximately 70% of respondents thought the condition was diagnosed too frequently, while on average, 80% of patients referred to adult ADHD services ultimately received a diagnosis.

One GP from Berkshire, speaking anonymously, reported that among more than 1,000 patients referred for assessment, only a single individual did not receive an ADHD diagnosis. Another GP in Devon expressed concerns about the quality of evaluations, highlighting that assessments often overlook patients' histories of trauma or adverse childhood experiences, which could account for their difficulties without requiring an ADHD diagnosis.

The National Health Service (NHS) previously estimated that around 2.5 million people in England may have ADHD, with only about 800,000 officially diagnosed. Demand for ADHD assessments has surged tenfold over the past decade, sparking debate over diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches.

In response to these concerns, the government commissioned an independent review led by clinical psychologist Professor Peter Fonagy, examining the prevalence of ADHD alongside autism and other mental health conditions and evaluating support structures. The final report from this review is expected to be released soon and will guide future policy.

Preliminary reports suggest that the review will recommend moving away from automatic diagnosis for individuals displaying ADHD symptoms. Instead, it will propose a "needs-based" system prioritizing support for those experiencing severe impairment, such as individuals at risk of self-harm or those unable to maintain employment. Patients exhibiting milder symptoms may receive holistic interventions without the necessity of receiving a formal diagnosis.

The review was initiated by former health secretary Wes Streeting amid growing concern over the rising rates of diagnoses for ADHD, autism, and other mental health conditions, which currently represent the leading grounds for disability benefit claims in England. The anticipated shift toward a needs-focused framework aims to allocate healthcare resources more efficiently and provide tailored support based on individual patient needs rather than diagnostic labels alone.