Streeting orders review into mental health and ADHD diagnoses

Health Secretary Wes Streeting is launching an independent review into the growing demand for mental health, ADHD and autism services in England.

It will examine both whether there is evidence of overdiagnosis and what gaps in support there are.

The government has said it is already investing in expanding services, but waits to get therapy are long in many areas.

NHS figures show rates of mental health problems and ADHD have risen significantly over the past two decades – and the government believes some people on waiting lists do not need treatment.

Previously, Streeting warned that mental health problems were being overdiagnosed and too many people were being “written off”.

Announcing the new study, Streeting said: “We need to look at this from a strictly clinical perspective to get an evidence-based understanding… This is the only way we can ensure everyone has timely access to accurate diagnosis and effective support.” »

It comes as ministers seek to tackle a growing welfare bill – although the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has stressed that this review is taking place separately from this one.

Although some benefits require people to demonstrate how a health problem affects their ability to work, a formal diagnosis is not strictly necessary for many.

Earlier this year the government was forced to abandon planned cuts to disability benefits, including for people with mental health problems, after facing backlash from more than 100 Labor backbenchers.

But on Monday, the prime minister promised to step up efforts to reform the welfare system, which is said to have “locked people into poverty” and “written off young people as being too ill to work”.

Led by clinical psychologist Prof Peter Fonagy, the findings of the new review will be published in summer 2026.

Professor Fonagy said the aim was to “rigorously test assumptions and listen carefully to those most affected, so that our recommendations are both honest and genuinely useful”.

NHS figures show the number of adults aged 16 to 64 reporting mental health problems has reached 22.6% in 2023-24, up from 17.6% in 2007.

Rates are higher among young people and among the unemployed.

As of March this year, around four million working age adults in England and Wales had claimed disability or incapacity benefits, compared to almost three million in 2019, according to research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).

The DHSC said increased pressure on the NHS “means that for too long, people with acute needs have faced long waits, had to navigate overcrowded services, experienced inequalities in care and felt abandoned when support was needed most”.

The review will look at how NHS services work and what support people could receive sooner.

Government sources said they want to establish a baseline for diagnosis and determine what good quality care looks like.

It is thought that one of the causes of the long waits was that people who did not necessarily need treatment ended up on a waiting list when practical support, such as help with social or financial problems or brief talking therapy, could provide the solution.

Investments are already being made to increase support in schools and expand talk therapy services.

President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Dr Lade Smith, said: “We hope the review will adequately consider the many complex reasons why more people need support with mental health, ADHD and autism.

“We have a real opportunity to ensure that millions of people receive the care they need, today and for generations to come.”

Mental health charity Mind welcomed the Government’s announcement and signaled its willingness to contribute to the review.

“This is a huge opportunity to really understand what is driving increased levels of mental illness, particularly among our young people,” said chief executive Dr Sarah Hughes.

The National Autistic Society said: “We need urgent action because, while we are currently seeing a stabilization in the number of people seeking an assessment, the average waiting time is skyrocketing. »