The story of Ryan White, a bright and gifted young man who tragically took his own life, sheds light on the serious failings of the NHS right-to-choose system for ADHD assessment and treatment. Ryan, who had been misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder, struggled for years to get the help he desperately needed for his undiagnosed ADHD.
Like many others, Ryan followed the right-to-choose pathway, which allows patients to select a private provider for ADHD assessment and initial treatment. However, the lack of regulation and coordination between private and NHS services proved to be his downfall. Despite being diagnosed with ADHD by a private provider, Ryan faced significant delays in accessing the necessary medication and support due to a breakdown in the “shared care” agreement with his GP.
Experts have warned that the right-to-choose system for ADHD care has become a “wild west”, with inadequate training and oversight of private providers. Dr. Jaime Craig, chief of the Association of Clinical Psychologists, has raised concerns about the qualifications of those conducting ADHD assessments and the lack of rigour in the process.
The problem is exacerbated by vague assessment guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which have failed to establish clear standards for ADHD diagnosis. This has led to a proliferation of private clinics offering substandard care, with some patients even being misdiagnosed with conditions they do not have.
Tragically, Ryan’s case is not an isolated incident. Many ADHD patients have found themselves stuck in administrative limbo, unable to access the treatment they desperately need. Dr. Mario Adamou, a consultant psychiatrist and founder of the UK Adult ADHD Network, has called for the NHS to halt the “uncontrolled” spending on the right-to-choose system and instead divert resources towards NHS pathways with clear quality standards.
The heartbreaking loss of Ryan White serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in the way ADHD care is delivered in England. Policymakers must act swiftly to address the systemic issues plaguing the right-to-choose system, ensuring that vulnerable patients like Ryan receive the comprehensive and compassionate support they deserve.
