Health Secretary Wes Streeting has commissioned a major independent review into the diagnosis of mental health conditions, amid growing concerns over a sharp increase in sickness benefit claims linked to mental illness, autism, and ADHD.
Soaring Numbers Prompt Clinical Investigation
The review, set to be formally launched on Thursday, comes as the government grapples with 4.4 million working-age people now claiming sickness or incapacity benefits. This figure represents a staggering increase of 1.2 million since 2019. Of particular concern is the rapid growth in the number of 16 to 34-year-olds signed off work with long-term sickness due to mental health conditions.
According to reports, Streeting has asked leading clinical experts to investigate whether normal human emotions are becoming "over-pathologised". The review will scrutinise the evidence behind rising diagnoses for conditions like anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Expert-Led Review Aims for Evidence-Based Understanding
The inquiry will be chaired by Professor Peter Fonagy, a prominent clinical psychologist at University College London who specialises in child mental health. He will be supported by vice-chair Sir Simon Wessely, the former president of the Royal College of Psychiatry.
In a statement, Streeting emphasised the need for a clinical perspective. "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 said. "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."
Professor Fonagy told The Times that the panel would carefully examine evidence from research, lived experience, and frontline clinicians to understand the drivers behind the rising demand for services.
Part of a Broader Push on Welfare Reform
The move forms a key part of the new government's strategy to tackle the UK's growing welfare bill. Earlier this year, ministers were forced to abandon plans to reform disability benefits after backbench opposition. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer signalled a renewed push on Monday, stating the welfare state must be transformed as it is currently "trapping people, not just in poverty, but out of work."
The review's ultimate goal, according to the Health Secretary, is to ensure that everyone who needs it receives timely access to accurate diagnosis and effective support, while safeguarding the integrity of the benefits system for those truly in need.
