Independent Review into Mental Health Conditions, ADHD and Autism
On 9 October 2026, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) published the Independent review into prevalence and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism, chaired by Professor Peter Fonagy.1 The review was commissioned in response to a rapid rise in referrals and diagnoses, and the resulting pressure on NHS commissioning budgets.
Key findings of the review include:
- ADHD referral volumes: There are more than 560,000 open ADHD referrals in England – approximately 17 times the figure recorded in 2019.
- Financial pressure: NHS spending on ADHD assessments is projected to overspend by £164 million across 32 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).
- Independent sector growth: Spending on independent-sector ADHD assessments has risen by 252% in three years.
- Regulatory gaps: The review found that 14 companies were delivering NHS-funded ADHD assessments without being registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
- Quality concerns: Only 6% of assessments audited were found to meet the standards set by the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN).
The review makes a series of recommendations, including:
- CQC registration to be mandatory for any provider delivering NHS-funded ADHD assessments.
- A ban on public advertising by providers of NHS-funded ADHD assessments.
- Stronger national oversight of commissioning standards for ADHD, autism and related mental health services.
Blueteq comment: The Blueteq platform is well-positioned to support this governance requirement.
NICE – Olezarsen (Tryngolza) for Familial Chylomicronaemia Syndrome
NICE published final draft guidance recommending olezarsen (Tryngolza, Sobi) for the treatment of familial chylomicronaemia syndrome (FCS) in adults. The appraisal reference is GID-TA11678.2
FCS is an ultra-rare inherited disorder causing severely elevated triglyceride levels, resulting in recurrent acute pancreatitis and significant morbidity.
Olezarsen is an RNA-targeted therapy (antisense oligonucleotide).
References – England
1. Independent review into prevalence and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism. Department of Health and Social Care / GOV.UK. 9 October 2026. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6ac7c305b016250bca013ac3/independent-review-into-prevalence-and-support-for-mental-health-conditions-ADHD-and-autism.pdf 2. NICE backs Sobi’s Tryngolza for rare disease FCS. pharmaphorum. October 2026. https://pharmaphorum.com/news/nice-backs-sobis-tryngolza-rare-disease-fcs
2. NICE backs Sobi’s Tryngolza for rare disease FCS. pharmaphorum. October 2026. https://pharmaphorum.com/news/nice-backs-sobis-tryngolza-rare-disease-fcs
