Spending on ADHD and autism tests has soared up to tenfold over the past year, according to new figures, with NHS chiefs admitting the costs are "out of control and unsustainable".
Some private clinics, described as "Wild West" operators, are charging up to £3,000 per patient for ADHD and autism assessments for those on waiting lists.
Regional spending surges
In Cheshire and Merseyside, spending has rocketed from £1.75 million in 2024-25 to £18 million in 2025-26. Health chiefs in the region also spent £38 million on adult ADHD services in 2024-25, compared with £11 million the previous year.
Rebecca Gray, director of the NHS Alliance's mental health network, said trusts were facing "soaring costs that are running out of control" due to rising demand.
Impact on other services
Gray said: "Unplanned overspends on ADHD and autism assessments and treatment can impact on other activities and disrupt long-term planning."
She added: "The current situation is unsustainable and delivers a bad deal for patients and taxpayers."
Waiting lists and private assessments
There are 800,000 people on waiting lists for an ADHD assessment in England. They have a legal right to be assessed privately with the NHS paying the bill.
The NHS Alliance, which represents trusts and hospitals, found health bosses paid for 100,000 assessments with fees ranging from £300 to £3,000.
Thea Stein, chief executive of the Nuffield Trust think tank, said: "It is like watching a wave on the horizon, you see it coming, you see it growing and it is continuing to grow."
Stein also warned it was vital patients got "support to navigate the Wild West of ADHD providers" as some clinics diagnosed people after quick online probes.
An NHS spokesman said: "We know waits have been too long for too many families, and we are taking action to improve access to ADHD and autism support, while ensuring NHS-funded services provide good value for money."
