UK orders review into rising mental health, ADHD and autism diagnoses to assess over-diagnosis concerns and long NHS waiting times.
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched an independent review into the rising number of mental health, ADHD and autism diagnoses in England, amid growing concerns about over-diagnosis, pressure on NHS services and long waits for treatment.
The review—led by clinical psychologist Prof Peter Fonagy—will examine whether people are being diagnosed unnecessarily, why demand has increased so sharply, and what gaps in early support are contributing to the crisis. Findings are expected next summer.
TOP INSIGHT
Health Secretary #WesStreeting has ordered an independent review into the soaring demand for #mentalhealth, #ADHD, and #autism services in England. The review will examine potential over-diagnosis and identify gaps in support, as long waits persist across the #NHS.
#England #UKPolitics #Healthcare
A Surge in Mental Health Diagnoses and System Strain
NHS data shows that mental health problems among adults aged 16–64 () have risen from 17.6% in 2007 to 22.6% in 2023–24, with the highest rates among young people and unemployed adults. ADHD symptoms have also increased, with 14% of adults now reporting signs, although clinicians estimate only around 5% meet diagnostic criteria.
The spike in referrals has placed significant strain on the NHS, leading to long waits for therapy, autism assessments and specialist ADHD services.
Streeting Walks Back Earlier Comments
Streeting previously told the BBC that mental health conditions were being “over-diagnosed” and too many people were being “written off.” However, writing in The Guardian, he later admitted those comments “failed to capture the complexity” of the issue and were a case of “foot-in-mouth syndrome.”
Announcing the review, he emphasized the need for evidence: “We must look at this through a strictly clinical lens… that’s the only way we can ensure timely access to accurate diagnosis and effective support.”
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) stressed that the review is separate from wider welfare reforms, even as ministers attempt to reduce the growing benefits bill.
Benefits System Under Pressure
Nearly four million working-age adults in England and Wales now receive disability or incapacity benefits—up from around three million in 2019. A formal diagnosis is not always required, but it can support a claim.
Earlier this year, the government dropped plans to cut disability benefits after facing major backlash from Labor MPs and campaigners.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has since promised to reform the welfare system, arguing it has “trapped people in poverty” and written off young people as too ill to work.
Real Lives Affected by Long Waiting Times
The review comes amid mounting criticism of delays in mental health care.
One affected patient, 23-year-old student Jenny Tan from Surrey, waited almost two years to be diagnosed with anorexia. By the time she received help, doctors said she was one of the most severe cases they had seen. She rejected the idea of widespread over-diagnosis: “I fought so hard for a diagnosis. It took years. Over-diagnosis feels like a joke to me.”
What the Review Will Investigate
The independent review will focus on:
- How NHS mental health, ADHD and autism services are functioning
- Whether people are being referred unnecessarily
- What early support could help reduce specialist waiting lists
- Establishing a clear diagnostic baseline and quality-of-care standards
Government sources say some people on waiting lists may benefit more from practical support—such as help with social issues or short-term talking therapy—rather than full specialist assessments.
Investments are already being made in expanding talking therapies and school mental health teams.
Prof Sir Sam Everington, President of the Royal College of GPs, said GP workload for mental health has “sharply increased.” He pointed to social media as a driver behind rising self-diagnosis pressures: “You give everyone a medical badge of anxiety or depression when a lot of this is just the ups and downs of everyday life.”
He warned that society increasingly expects a “silver bullet” in the form of medication or a diagnosis.
A Crucial Moment for England’s Mental Health System
Mental health charity Mind praised the review as a key opportunity to understand why mental illness is rising so rapidly, especially among young people.
The National Autistic Society also welcomed the initiative but warned that waiting times for autism assessments continue to climb, even as demand stabilizes.
As NHS services face unprecedented strain, the government hopes this evidence-based review will bring clarity to a deeply complex landscape—ensuring that those who truly need help receive timely, effective support, while unnecessary referrals are reduced.
The review’s conclusions could shape the future of mental health, ADHD and autism care across England for years to come.
References:
- Common mental health conditions – (https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/adult-psychiatric-morbidity-survey/survey-of-mental-health-and-wellbeing-england-2023-24/common-mental-health-conditions)
Source-Medindia