Probe launched into rise of mental health diagnoses amid soaring disability benefit claims
A major probe has been launched into mental health diagnoses as disability benefit claims soar, reports BritPanorama.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting ordered an inquiry into the sharp increase of conditions such as autism, ADHD, and depression, identified as the most common reasons for claiming benefits. This inquiry is prompted by an alarming rise in claims, with 4.4 million people of working age now receiving support—up 1.2 million since 2019.
The investigation aims to determine whether stress is being “over pathologised” and if the alarming trend of diagnoses reflects an overdiagnosis that could be causing individuals to feel “written off.” Statistics are indicative; 8.9 million people in England are currently on antidepressants, a notable rise from 6.9 million a decade ago. Furthermore, between 2019 and 2024, the number of young adults aged 16 to 34 off work with long-term sickness surged by 76 percent.
Streeting highlighted the real-world impact of these conditions, saying, “I know from personal experience how devastating it can be for people who face poor mental health, have ADHD or autism and can’t get a diagnosis or the right support.” He emphasized the need for a clinical perspective in assessing the rising diagnoses of these conditions, insisting, “We must look at this through a strictly clinical lens to get an evidence-based understanding of what we know, what we don’t know, and what these patterns tell us about our mental health system, autism and ADHD services.”
To tackle these issues effectively, Streeting stressed the importance of ensuring timely access to accurate diagnoses and support services. The review, led by clinical psychologist Peter Fonagy, will investigate NHS mental health services and propose solutions to address the increasing demand before individuals reach crisis points.
Currently, over half a million people are waiting for ADHD assessments, while approximately 800,000 individuals have been diagnosed with the condition. Fonagy addressed the inquiry’s aim, stating, “We will examine the evidence with care—from research, from people with lived experience, and from clinicians working at the frontline of mental health, autism and ADHD services—to understand, in a grounded way, what is driving rising demand.” He reiterated the commitment to provide the government with evidence-based advice capable of improving lives.
This investigation reflects ongoing concerns regarding the management of mental health diagnoses in the UK, especially as societal pressures and expectations evolve.
The inquiry aims to clarify whether the current increase in diagnoses is symptomatic of genuine hardship or indicative of systemic issues within mental health evaluation protocols. It remains a critical juncture for the UK to reevaluate its approach to mental health support.
