Petition · Department of Health and Social Care
Protect ADHD support and study possible post-COVID impact on diagnoses
Open for signatures
20 signatures
What the petition asks
Ensure the current review of rising ADHD, autism and mental health diagnoses explicitly includes examination of the potential impact of post COVID neurological effects, and that all conclusions are based on clinical evidence. Those with ADHD must not lose support due to assumptions of overdiagnosis.
Government data shows ADHD diagnoses & referrals have risen sharply in recent years, prompting a national review of assessment pathways & support.
Some independent analyses suggest that ADHD in the UK is historically underdiagnosed, not over.
There is scientific evidence suggesting COVID can cause long term cognitive & executive function difficulties, which may overlap with or exacerbate ADHD like symptoms. Many people with no prior ADHD diagnosis have reported post infection cognitive changes.
Some independent analyses suggest that ADHD in the UK is historically underdiagnosed, not over.
There is scientific evidence suggesting COVID can cause long term cognitive & executive function difficulties, which may overlap with or exacerbate ADHD like symptoms. Many people with no prior ADHD diagnosis have reported post infection cognitive changes.
Timeline
| 26 Mar 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
20
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
Opened
26 Mar 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.