Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has issued a stark warning against the rising trend of overdiagnosing children with behavioural and mental health conditions, arguing that society is in danger of pathologising the normal, messy process of growing up.
In a significant intervention, Hunt stated that the current approach often overlooks the fundamental fact that childhood development is inherently "uneven" and that many behaviours are a natural part of maturing, not a sign of illness.
The Pressure on a Struggling System
Hunt highlighted the immense pressure on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), pointing out that lengthy waiting lists can leave parents feeling desperate for a diagnosis, any diagnosis, to secure help for their children. This, he suggests, creates a vicious cycle where the system incentivises labelling.
He expressed particular concern about the rising rates of diagnoses for conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism, questioning whether every case truly warrants a medical label.
A Natural, Uneven Journey
At the heart of his argument is the belief that we are forgetting what it means to be a child. "Growing up is messy and uneven," Hunt asserted, emphasising that phases of anxiety, frustration, or high energy are typical and often resolve naturally with time and support, not necessarily medical intervention.
He cautioned that by rushing to diagnose, we risk stigmatising children and potentially overlooking simpler, more effective solutions within families, schools, and communities.
Call for a Holistic Approach
Instead of an over-reliance on medical labels, Hunt advocated for a more holistic view of child welfare. This includes:
- Boosting non-medical support: Increasing funding and resources for in-school counselling and parenting programmes.
- Empowering teachers and parents: Giving them the tools and confidence to manage a wide range of behaviours without immediately seeking a clinical assessment.
- Reforming CAMHS: Ensuring the service can focus on those with the most severe clinical needs, rather than being overwhelmed by referrals for less severe issues.
His comments are likely to ignite a fierce debate among parents, educators, and healthcare professionals about the best way to support the mental wellbeing of the younger generation without defining them by their diagnoses.
