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UK Health Chief Probes Rise in Mental Health Diagnoses
4 Dec
Summary
- Health Secretary ordered a review into mental health diagnoses.
- Concern over millions claiming sickness benefits for mental illness.
- Experts to assess if normal feelings are being over-pathologized.
A comprehensive clinical review has been ordered by Health Secretary Wes Streeting to examine the increasing rates of mental health diagnoses. The review is prompted by a substantial rise in claims for sickness and incapacity benefits, particularly among working-age adults attributed to conditions such as autism, ADHD, and various mental health challenges. This trend has seen an increase of 1.2 million claimants since 2019.
Leading experts, including Professor Peter Fonagy and Sir Simon Wessely, will spearhead the investigation. Their primary objective is to ascertain whether common emotional responses are being over-pathologized. The review aims to gain an evidence-based understanding of the driving forces behind these rising diagnoses and the subsequent impact on the mental health system.
This initiative by the government is part of a broader effort to address the growing welfare bill and reform the benefits system. The findings are expected to inform strategies for ensuring timely access to accurate diagnoses and effective support for individuals experiencing mental health difficulties, ADHD, or autism.
