Government pledges earlier support to tackle mental health crises

Children, young people and adults experiencing mental distress will receive broader support and advice at the earliest opportunity, without having to wait for a clinical diagnosis, government has pledged.

Responding to the findings of the Independent Review into prevalence and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism, the Government has committed to a major overhaul of mental health support in the forthcoming Mental Health Strategy. This will set out a renewed focus on prevention and early intervention, to make sure that people receive the right help, at the right time, in the right place, based on their needs.

The review published on 9th October, chaired by leading clinical psychologist Professor Peter Fonagy with the support of vice chairs Professor Sir Simon Wessely and Professor Gillian Baird, found that mental distress has increased substantially among children and young people. The findings show this has been driven by several factors, including social media, financial insecurity, increased uncertainty about the future, poorer sleep, and reduced feelings of connection and belonging. While referrals and diagnoses for ADHD and autism have risen significantly, the review found that population-level prevalence of these conditions appears broadly stable.

The interim report of Alan Milburn’s review of ‘Young People and Work’ also found that – among the 16 to 25-year-old age group not currently in education, employment or training – 24 per cent cited depression or anxiety as their main limiting condition, 22 per cent autism, and 18 per cent another mental illness.

The Government has responded by seeking to improve support at every stage of life. For children, young people and adults experiencing mental distress, greater support will be available in schools, colleges and communities with a focus on earlier intervention, reducing long waits and ensuring support is available before and without a diagnosis.

Where clinically appropriate, the system will continue to offer timely diagnosis and treatment, such as when someone may require medication.

As part of this work, the Health and Social Care Secretary has asked NHS leaders to urgently examine how people can access advice, assessments and treatment more easily.

These reforms will work alongside the Government’s new £4 billion package of support for children with special educational needs, backing schools to improve inclusion, widening access to specialist support, and rolling out training for every teacher.

The Government will also strengthen the oversight and regulation of ADHD and autism assessments, including working towards making all diagnostic assessments a CQC-regulated activity, so that people can be confident any diagnosis they receive, whether through the NHS or a private provider, is accurate and based on robust clinical practice.

Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, said:
“The Fonagy Review echoes what we’ve seen across our services for years. Increased need for support is not due to a ‘snowflake generation’ or a case of overdiagnosis. Young people are growing up in a challenging world and it’s no surprise that more are struggling with their mental health.

“This report is a watershed moment for change. We welcome the commitment to earlier, more open access support and look forward to working with the Government on the forthcoming Mental Health Strategy, to ensure our mental health system works for everyone.”