Streeting Orders Review After 200% ADHD Diagnosis Surge
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has commissioned an independent review into the growing demand for ADHD, autism and mental health diagnosis across England.
Streeting has previously voiced concerns that certain conditions may be “overdiagnosed”, warning that rising demand has intensified pressure on services, leaving people with urgent needs facing long waits.
“We must look at this through a strictly clinical lens to get an evidence based understanding,” he said. “That is the only way we can ensure timely access to accurate diagnosis and effective support.”
The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed the review alongside £688m of additional funding. The move also comes as ministers attempt to control the rising welfare bill.
Streeting ADHD diagnosis 200 Percent
Earlier this year, proposed cuts to disability benefits, including support for people with mental health conditions, were abandoned after major backlash, including from more than 100 Labour MPs.
On Monday, the prime minister pledged renewed welfare reform, arguing the current system had “trapped people in poverty” and had “written young people off as too ill to work”.
The review will be led by clinical psychologist Professor Peter Fonagy, with findings due in Summer 2026.
Prof Fonagy pledged to “test assumptions rigorously and listen closely to those most affected” to ensure the recommendations are honest and useful.
Research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies shows around four million working age adults in England and Wales claim disability or incapacity benefits, up from nearly three million in 2019.
The DHSC said stretched NHS services mean people with acute needs have faced long delays, struggled to navigate fragmented systems, experienced unequal access to care, and often felt abandoned.
Mental health charity Mind welcomed the announcement and said it looked forward to contributing to the review.
“This is a huge opportunity to really understand what is driving increasing mental illness, especially among young people,” said chief executive Dr Sarah Hughes.
Read More: NHS staff to be made redundant after Treasury approves £1bn funding
Dr Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said the review must identify gaps in care while recognising the complex reasons people seek support.
The National Autistic Society urged swift action, warning that while referrals are levelling off, waiting times for assessment continue to soar.
