ADHD and autism at risk of overdiagnosis, review finds

Summarised from 4 outlets · 7 reports · Updated 9 Oct, 00:19 · Archive

A government review warns England faces a 'tipping point' where ADHD and autism diagnoses risk outstripping actual prevalence.

A government-commissioned review into mental health, ADHD and autism in England has concluded that there is a significant risk of overdiagnosis of ADHD and autism, particularly among younger age groups. The 607-page report, led by leading psychologist Prof Peter Fonagy and contributed to by 120 experts, warns that the nation has reached a 'tipping point' where diagnoses risk outstripping the actual prevalence of these conditions in the population.

The review found a mismatch between the true rates of ADHD and autism in society and the numbers seeking help for them. Experts warned that misdiagnosis—where a wrong diagnosis is made—could be a factor behind this discrepancy. The report states that diagnosis can 'do harm when it is inaccurate' by directing someone towards wrong treatment and obscuring co-occurring conditions or social and environmental causes of difficulties. Overdiagnosis can lead to 'over-medicalisation' where ordinary life experiences are turned into medical problems.

The report noted that 'most people are sometimes inattentive, anxious or socially uncomfortable' and that 'having ADHD or autism-related traits does not necessarily mean someone has a diagnosable condition.' In some cases, diagnosis can 'close doors', leaving people feeling unable to achieve things because of the label. The review gave an example of a student experiencing loneliness being prescribed antidepressants when better options might increase their social networks.

However, the review is categoric that mental distress has increased substantially across the population and cannot be explained by greater awareness alone. The number of 16- to 64-year-olds with a common mental disorder increased from 15.5 per cent in 1993 to 22.6 per cent in 2024. Among 16- to 24-year-olds, rates jumped more sharply from one in six to one in four over the same period. The report estimates that about 4 million children are currently in 'serious distress', potentially reaching 4.5 million by 2030 at current trends.

The review identifies cultural and social drivers of rising mental health problems among young people, including Covid disruption, financial and housing insecurity, constant evaluation and comparison through social media, competitive school pressures, and loss of support services. Young people face fewer opportunities for physical activity, time in nature, uninterrupted sleep and unstructured play. This is the first generation in living memory lacking confidence that their lives will be better than their parents' generation.

The review calls for significant changes to how services operate. It urges tougher regulation of private clinics offering ADHD and autism assessments for the NHS, expressing concerns about quality and consistency, and recommends a ban on advertising by such firms. It also recommends that access to care be based primarily on individual needs so that fewer people wait years for formal diagnosis. Prof Fonagy stated: 'Diagnosis remains essential and must be protected—what has to change is that it is no longer the only door through which help can be reached.' The report warns that without radical overhaul, mental health and neurodiversity services will be overwhelmed, with the cost of mental ill health standing at £300 billion annually.

How it is being reported

• ADHD and autism at risk of overdiagnosis, finds government review of mental healthADHD and autism are at risk of overdiagnosis but anxiety and depression are surging according to government review of UK’s mental health led by Prof Peter FonagyThe Mirror · 9 Oct, 00:01
• No ‘snowflakes’: mental health review says today’s youth have it harder and harms are realPeter Fonagy lauds courage of young people and warns of consequences of rising prevalence of mental illness Full report | NHS at risk of ‘system failures’ as demand for ADHD and autism care soars, inquiry finds Explainer | What has the Fonagy review found and what does it recommend? Eighteen months ago, in an off-the-cuff remark during a discussion on disability benefit cuts, Wes Streeting said mental health conditions were being “overdiagnosed”, riding headlong into another culture war. He later apologised for the comment, but at the time it seemed the then health secretary had endorsed a…Guardian World · 9 Oct, 00:01
• NHS at risk of ‘system failures’ as demand for ADHD and autism care soars, inquiry findsEngland-focused mental health review returns stark warning and calls for shift to ‘needs-led’ system Explainer | What has the Fonagy review found and what does it recommend? Analysis | No ‘snowflakes’: mental health review says today’s youth have it harder and harms are real The NHS in England is heading into a “world of system failures” as it struggles to cope with relentlessly rising demand for mental health, ADHD and autism care, leaving those affected desperate for support, a government-commissioned inquiry has found. The stark warning was made in a review led by Prof Peter Fonagy into…The Guardian · 9 Oct, 00:01
• NHS England mental health services review: what has it found and what does it recommend?Prof Peter Fonagy’s 607-page report is categoric that mental distress has increased substantially and ‘cannot be explained by greater awareness alone’ Full report | NHS at risk of ‘system failures’ as demand for ADHD and autism care soars, inquiry finds Analysis | No ‘snowflakes’: mental health review says today’s youth have it harder and harms are real The Fonagy review of NHS England’s mental health, ADHD and autism services was commissioned in 2025 by Wes Streeting, then the health secretary, in response to growing concerns that spiralling waiting lists for assessment, diagnosis and care…Guardian World · 9 Oct, 00:01
• 'Here’s why Britain’s young people are so mentally ill'OPINION: Mirror Health Editor Martin Bagot gives his take on the Fonagy review, which is the most comprehensive ever assessment of ADHD, autism and mental health in BritainThe Mirror · 9 Oct, 00:01
• ADHD and autism at risk of over-diagnosis, says government reviewThe review, which focuses on younger age groups, warned there was a risk society was moving from an era of under-diagnosis to over-diagnosis or mis-diagnosis.BBC News · 9 Oct, 00:01
• ADHD and autism review highlights risk of misdiagnosis as cases riseIt said there is a mismatch between true rates of the conditions and the numbers seeking help for them.Evening Standard · 9 Oct, 00:01

In this story: Prof Peter Fonagy · Wes Streeting · England · NHS

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