The NHS in England is at risk of "system failures" as it struggles with increasing demand for mental health, ADHD, and autism care, according to a government-commissioned inquiry. The review, led by Prof Peter Fonagy, found that those affected are left desperate for support.
The inquiry highlighted a growing risk of overdiagnosis for autism and ADHD and urged ministers to strengthen the regulation of private clinics. Many individuals are turning to these private providers due to long NHS assessment waits.
Experts behind the review also advocated for access to care to be primarily based on a person's needs. This approach aims to reduce the years-long waits for a formal diagnosis.
The report noted a significant increase in mental distress across all age groups in England since the 1990s, with a particularly sharp rise among under-18s. The number of 16- to 64-year-olds with a common mental disorder increased from 15.5% in 1993 to 22.6% in 2024. Among 16- to 24-year-olds, this figure jumped from about one in six to one in four during the same period.
At the end of last year, over 560,000 people in England were waiting for an ADHD assessment, a 17-fold increase since 2019. Another 254,000 were waiting for an autism diagnostic assessment, bringing the total to over 800,000. Almost 90% of these individuals had been waiting for at least three months.
Prof Fonagy dismissed the idea that young people are less resilient, stating, "The rise in mental health problems is real, is affecting everyday functioning and cannot be explained by greater awareness alone." He attributed the pressure on young people to various social and economic factors, including financial pressures, insecure work, and unaffordable housing.