Health Secretary Wes Streeting has ordered a clinical review of mental health diagnoses in England, amid concerns over a sharp rise in sickness benefit claims linked to conditions such as autism and ADHD. The review, expected to launch on Thursday, will investigate whether normal feelings are being 'over-pathologised'.
The number of working-age people claiming sickness or incapacity benefit has reached 4.4 million, up 1.2 million since 2019. The rise has been particularly pronounced among 16- to 34-year-olds citing long-term sickness due to mental health conditions.
Streeting said he knew from personal experience how devastating it can be for those unable to get a diagnosis or support, but added that clinicians report a sharp increase in diagnoses. He stressed the need for an evidence-based understanding of the trends.
The review will be led by Professor Peter Fonagy, a clinical psychologist at University College London, with Sir Simon Wessely, former president of the Royal College of Psychiatry, as vice-chair. Fonagy said they would examine research, lived experience, and frontline clinical evidence to understand rising demand.
The move comes as ministers seek to tackle the growing welfare bill. Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated a fresh push on welfare reform, stating the system is 'trapping people, not just in poverty, but out of work'. Earlier this year, the government retreated from plans to reform disability benefits amid backbench Labour opposition.
