From The Guardian. “Proposals to limit the number of patients being formally diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have been attacked as “rationing” healthcare and pushing children and adults to self-diagnosis via social media.
The comments came before a government review due next week, which is expected to say that patients with ADHD symptoms should not automatically be formally diagnosed, but should be “triaged” and offered support without the need for a formal diagnosis.
Details of this “needs-based” system, first revealed in the Times, would mean NHS services target those most acutely affected by ADHD, such as those at risk of self-harm or unable to work.
Less severely affected people may not be referred for a formal diagnosis to NHS clinics but would be offered help according to a “holistic” assessment of their needs, the report will say.”
