Health Secretary Wes Streeting has commissioned a major review into the rising prevalence of mental health conditions, autism and ADHD in England, following controversy over his comments about overdiagnosis. The review, led by Professor Peter Fonagy, Sir Simon Wessely and Professor Gillian Baird, aims to establish an evidence base for what is driving the surge in mental ill health.
Streeting faced backlash after stating on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that he believed there was overdiagnosis of mental health conditions. He later acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting that many patients cannot even access a diagnosis. Data shows a nearly 50% increase in mental health problems among adults between 1993 and 2023, and a 50% rise in child referrals during the pandemic.
The review will examine the quality of evidence, causes of increased demand, and how the NHS can better meet needs. It is backed by Mind, the Mental Health Foundation, the National Autistic Society and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Streeting emphasised that early diagnosis can be transformative, citing personal experiences with family members.
Since the election, the government has recruited over 7,000 extra mental health staff, increased talking therapies sessions, and built new emergency departments. Mental health support is now available in almost half of UK schools. Streeting stressed that accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure everyone receives appropriate support.
