ADHD and autism at risk of over-diagnosis, says government review
A UK government review suggests that ADHD and autism are being over-diagnosed in young people, potentially leading to unnecessary labeling. The report calls for stricter regulation of private assessment firms and emphasizes the need for better support systems rather than just diagnostic labels.
Why it matters
This highlights a growing tension between increasing mental health awareness and the potential for medicalizing normal developmental challenges, impacting NHS policy and educational support.
Image source, Getty By Nick Triggle Health correspondent Published 14 minutes ago There is a risk of people being over-diagnosed with ADHD and autism, an official review in England has found.
Experts said a rise in diagnoses over the past 25 years meant cases now appear to be outstripping the expected number in the population for some younger age groups.
The review called for tougher regulation of private firms offering assessments for the NHS, saying they had concerns about quality and consistency, and a ban on advertising.
It concluded economic uncertainty combined with social media was driving an increase in mental health problems among young people and said there needed to be better support in place for all conditions.
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