Advertising by private ADHD and autism assessment firms compromises the quality of care

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The JAMA Network Open systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated 19 observational studies encompassing nearly 16 million study participants across three continents, with 63.9% of participants being male.

The meta-analysis revealed a 27% increase in natural-cause mortality risk among individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder compared to those without the condition.

A JAMA Network Open systematic review and meta-analysis led by University College London researchers found that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is associated with a 70% to 71% higher rate of all-cause mortality.

The JAMA Network Open study found that people diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder face a 89% to 90% higher rate of death by suicide compared to individuals without ADHD.

Natural-cause mortality in ADHD patients is linked to higher rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic disorders, health risk behaviors like smoking and alcohol use, and healthcare access barriers.

The JAMA Network Open meta-analysis showed that individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder experience a 55% higher rate of death from intentional or accidental injuries than those without ADHD.

Researchers observed that co-existing mental health conditions like depression, along with emotional regulation and impulse control challenges, may contribute to elevated suicide rates among people with ADHD.

Researchers warned that the apparent 25% mortality reduction associated with ADHD medication is based on only three observational studies, preventing causal conclusions and requiring caution due to potential confounding factors.

Senior author Professor Joshua Stott noted that while ADHD diagnosis rates have risen in recent years, they continue to lag behind actual prevalence, particularly among older age groups facing higher mortality risk.

An analysis of three studies within the JAMA Network Open review found that individuals taking ADHD medication had a 25% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to untreated individuals.

Unintentional injury deaths among individuals with ADHD, such as road traffic accidents, are linked to differences in attention, risk-taking behaviors, and impulsivity.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and medical professionals refuted claims linking the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine to autism or fetal cells, emphasizing that two doses are 97 percent effective.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order in August 2026 proposing to split the combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine into three separate shots and suggesting an unproven link between vaccines and autism.

CDC estimates show that 15 million U.S. adults (6%) and 7 million U.S. children (11.7%) have ADHD, with Mount Sinai's Dr. Jeffrey Newcorn noting that up to half of adult diagnoses occur in adulthood.

On 16 May, healthcare provider Keys Group acquired private neurodiversity clinic ADHD360 for £22.5 million while Samantha Jones held leadership roles and shares in Keys Group.

UK Members of Parliament, including Labour MP Ben Coleman and Liberal Democrat spokesperson Helen Morgan, demanded that Samantha Jones recuse herself from regulating private neurodiversity clinics.

According to the Tussell public expenditure database, the National Health Service in England paid private provider ADHD360 over £26 million for neurodiversity assessments between 2020 and 2026.

UK Health Secretary Yvette Cooper and ministers are developing stricter regulations for private clinics offering attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism assessments, diagnoses, and treatments.

A review led by Professor Peter Fonagy raised official concerns regarding quality and consistency of private UK attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism assessments, highlighting inherent financial incentives to diagnose and treat.

In October 2026, the UK government accepted the findings of a health review advocating for tougher regulation of private attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism service providers.