The State of ADHD Care in the UK
In recent years, the conversation surrounding ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) care has intensified, shining a light on systemic issues that affect both patients and healthcare providers. As highlighted by Dr. Vicky Cleak and Mona Sood in their letters to The Guardian, there is an urgent need for reform in ADHD services, particularly concerning the regulatory landscape and the increasing reliance on pharmacological treatments.
The Hidden Challenges
“These problems are the predictable result of an overstretched public system outsourcing into a fragmented and unevenly regulated market.”
This statement encapsulates the frustrations shared by many professionals working within the ADHD care framework. Dr. Cleak's deep concern over her inability to provide care due to lengthy registration processes starkly contrasts with the alarming fact that unregulated providers are awarded NHS contracts. This is emblematic of a system where the highest regulatory burdens fall on dedicated specialists, while less qualified entities proliferate unchecked.
The Pressure of Quick Fixes
Mona Sood's experiences illustrate another critical aspect. The quick-fix mentality surrounding ADHD—often equated with amphetamines as a treatment—raises significant ethical concerns. Sood recounts her personal experience, stating:
“My daughter was prescribed amphetamines by an NHS clinician when her self-diagnosis was supported after a one-hour assessment.”
This alarming situation underscores a broader trend: the NHS may not only have the same incentives as private providers to diagnose ADHD but may also favor medication over necessary behavioral therapies. The pervasive use of drugs as a first line of treatment can lead to neglect of the fundamental, long-term needs of patients.
The Complexity of ADHD Care
ADHD is a multifaceted disorder that cannot merely be addressed with medications. As Sood points out, effective treatment often requires behavioral interventions that demand ongoing parental involvement and a commitment to establishing a supportive home environment. The concern remains that the focus on medication renders these vital non-pharmaceutical options secondary.
Regulatory Failures
The regulatory framework governing ADHD care is in dire need of overhaul. The Care Quality Commission (CQC), designed to ensure high standards, paradoxically stifles small, specialist practices while allowing larger, unregulated providers to flourish. This system incentivizes volume over quality—clinicians in larger organizations are often constrained by contractual obligations that prioritize efficiency rather than patient-centered care.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
The dialogues initiated by these letters challenge us to reconsider how we approach ADHD treatment in the UK. It is imperative that we advocate for regulations that safeguard patient welfare and promote comprehensive, expert-led care. A reliance on medication should not overshadow the importance of holistic treatment plans, which address the underlying complexities of ADHD.
In closing, I echo Dr. Cleak's powerful admonition that:
“High-quality ADHD assessment requires time, expertise, and continuity.”
As we confront the critical state of ADHD care, let us join hands to catalyze a much-needed transformation in the landscape of mental health services.
Source reference: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jan/14/adhd-care-needs-better-regulation-and-fewer-pills
