London, December 09, 2025
The UK Government has launched an independent review of mental health, autism, and ADHD services in England to address escalating demand and prolonged delays in diagnosis and support, with findings expected by summer 2026 to inform national health policy.
Rising Demand and Service Delays
Waiting lists for mental health and neurodevelopmental assessments in England have surged dramatically over the last five years, increasing thirteenfold. The prevalence of common mental health conditions has risen steadily—from 15.5% in 1993 to 22.6% in 2023-24—reflecting growing public need for services. Concurrently, ADHD diagnoses and prescriptions are climbing sharply, with adult prescriptions projected to increase by 25% between 2023/24 and 2024/25. In some regions, individuals face wait times as long as eight years for an ADHD diagnosis, highlighting significant system strain.
Scope and Leadership of the Review
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting announced the creation of this government-commissioned review, led by Professor Peter Fonagy, a prominent clinical psychologist. The initiative aims to rigorously analyze clinical data to understand why more people seek NHS support for mental health, autism, and ADHD, and whether current approaches to diagnosis and treatment are effective and timely. It will also examine health inequalities related to these conditions and assess whether current interventions meet patients’ needs.
Advisory Group and Balanced Approach
The review will be guided by a diverse advisory group comprising academics, clinicians, epidemiologists, charities, and individuals with lived experience. This broad representation seeks to ensure that the review’s recommendations are grounded in comprehensive evidence and reflect multiple stakeholder perspectives.
Addressing Concerns About Overdiagnosis
Public and political debate has surfaced concerns about possible overdiagnosis, with some ministers suggesting that the private sector’s role in mental health diagnoses contributes to inflated figures. However, experts and advocacy groups contest this view, underscoring that neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD remain underdiagnosed and under-supported within the NHS framework. The review is intended to clarify these conflicting narratives with empirical evidence.
Policy Implications and Timeline
The findings, expected by summer 2026, will inform the UK Government’s 10-Year Health Plan, which prioritizes tackling the ongoing mental health crisis affecting adults and children alike. This strategic framework will seek to enhance early intervention, reduce harmful delays, and improve accessibility and quality of care across mental health, autism, and ADHD services.
Contextual Overview
This review emerges against a backdrop of significant increases in mental health conditions over the past three decades and burgeoning demand for ADHD diagnoses and treatments. The persistent long waiting times for diagnosis and support have amplified concerns about capacity and service delivery. The government’s initiative marks a critical step towards evidence-based policymaking aimed at resolving these challenges.
By thoroughly assessing current service pressures, diagnostic practices, and treatment adequacy, the independent review aspires to pave the way for improved, equitable care pathways that better respond to the growing needs of people with mental health, autism, and ADHD conditions in England.