Wes Streeting, the UK Health Secretary, has announced an independent review aimed at addressing the increasing diagnoses of mental health conditions, particularly autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This initiative comes as part of the Labour Party’s broader effort to tighten control over welfare spending amidst growing concerns linked to mental health claims.
The rise in diagnoses has led to a significant increase in the number of working-age individuals receiving disability or incapacity benefits, which has escalated by 1.2 million since 2019, bringing the total to 4.4 million claimants. Streeting has raised alarms over what he terms “overdiagnosis,” suggesting that many individuals may be prematurely categorized as incapable of work due to mental health issues.
The upcoming review, set to be launched on Thursday, will explore whether common emotional responses to life’s stresses are being misclassified as mental health disorders. A panel of experts will investigate the influences of social media, smartphones, and rising living costs on mental health, which has been attributed to lengthy waiting lists for NHS services. According to NHS statistics, nearly 25% of adults suffer from common mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, with the number of individuals on antidepressants in England rising from 6.9 million a decade ago to 8.9 million today—a statistic that Streeting regards as troubling.
The situation is particularly alarming among younger adults, where the proportion of 16 to 34-year-olds who are unable to work due to long-term sickness linked to mental health issues has surged by 76% between 2019 and 2024. This has added pressure on politicians, including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who are keen to break the cycle of dependency on welfare benefits, particularly for the youth.
After initially proposing a substantial overhaul of disability benefits, the government had to retract those plans following dissent within its ranks, resulting in significant financial implications. Prime Minister’s commitment to welfare reforms aims to provide alternatives to a life reliant on benefits, particularly for those under 22, although skepticism surrounds the feasibility of these measures due to internal party opposition.
Streeting has stated the need for a clinical perspective in understanding the current mental health landscape, emphasising that this is vital to ensure timely and accurate diagnoses, as well as effective support for individuals in need. The review will serve to overhaul the NHS mental health system, making recommendations aimed at preventing people from reaching a crisis before they can receive help. The current wait for assessments for conditions like autism and ADHD can stretch for years, leaving many without the necessary support.
Led by Professor Peter Fonagy, a noted clinical psychologist at University College London, the review will also include Sir Simon Wessely, a former president of the Royal College of Psychiatry, as vice chair. Currently, over half a million individuals are on ADHD waiting lists, while NHS figures indicate that ADHD, despite an uptick in diagnoses, remains under-recognized, with the real number of people affected potentially reaching 2.5 million.
Commentators on mental health issues, including Andy Bell from the Centre for Mental Health, have highlighted that the rise in mental health needs is complex and multifaceted, with factors such as social media, economic pressures, and educational challenges contributing to the issue. Bell cautioned against framing the narrative around overdiagnosis, stating that the growth in demands for mental health services is likely reflective of genuine increases in mental distress rather than a mere case of diagnostic inflation.
This review brings hope that by examining these issues critically and holistically, the government will be better equipped to address the real needs of those suffering from mental health conditions and autism, ensuring improved access to vital services and support for all individuals affected.