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GPs See Over-Diagnosis of Mental Health Issues
6 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Many GPs believe society medicalizes normal life stresses.
- Doctors express concern over access to mental health support.
- A review is examining rising demand for mental health services.
A significant number of general practitioners across England have indicated their belief that mental health conditions are being over-diagnosed. Many family doctors observe a societal tendency to medicalize what could be considered normal life stresses, a perspective shared widely within the profession.
Despite this concern about diagnostic trends, these same doctors highlight substantial challenges in securing adequate mental health support for patients. The difficulty in accessing timely and effective treatment for mental health conditions is a growing worry among frontline healthcare providers.
In response to the increasing demand for mental health, ADHD, and autism services, the Health Secretary has commissioned an independent review. This review will investigate the underlying reasons for this rise and pinpoint existing gaps in the current support systems.
