The final report of the independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD, and autism, co-authored by psychologist Peter Fonagy, Gillian Baird, and Simon Wessely, was published last Friday. The 600-page document addresses concerns about overdiagnosis and support for mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions.
The report states that there is currently no evidence to conclude that overdiagnosis of mental health disorders is occurring 'at scale'. While acknowledging a changing balance of risks towards increased misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis for autism and ADHD if present trends continue, it also notes that data to settle this argument 'largely do not exist'.
Fonagy, who appeared on Radio 4's Today programme, said that former health secretary Wes Streeting was 'completely wrong' to agree with suggestions of common overdiagnosis. The review also rejects the popular idea that young people are 'fragile' or falsely claiming mental ill-health, instead highlighting the increased challenges they face.
Among its recommendations, the report suggests that future risks of overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis could be guarded against by more closely regulating private diagnostic clinics and stopping them from advertising their services.