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The Government has announced an independent review to understand the prevalence, trends and inequalities associated with mental health conditions, ADHD and autism.
It will examine the factors behind trends in prevalence, the impact of clinical practice, including social and cultural factors, the risks and benefits of medicalisation, ways to promote the prevention of mental ill health, and ways to build resilience and improve early intervention.
The review will also seek to identify approaches to provide different models of support and pathways within and beyond the NHS, supplementing clinical support and care so that people receive the right support at the right time in the right place.
Similarities between mental health conditions, ADHD and autism
Professor Peter Fonagy, Head of the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences at UCL, will chair this review, supported by Professor Sir Simon Wessely, Professor of Psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at King’s College London and Professor Gillian Baird, a leading autism expert and Chairman of the British Academy of Childhood Disability, as vice-chairs.
An advisory working group will also be appointed, involving a multidisciplinary group of leading academics, epidemiological experts, behavioural scientists, charities, and people with lived experience.
The review will explore the similarities and differences between mental health conditions, ADHD and autism regarding prevalence, drivers, early intervention and treatment, the co-occurrence of these conditions, as well as inequalities and challenges faced by these groups.
The Department of Health and Social Care says that demand for NHS support has risen sharply, creating an urgent need to better understand how individuals are presenting to services and how best to meet people’s needs and improve outcomes.
A recent NHS England survey found that one in five people has a common mental health problem, and estimates show that 1% of the adult population may be autistic.
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Responses to the review
Mel Merritt, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the National Autistic Society, said: “We welcome work to address the long waits and barriers to support autistic people face.
“We know autistic people face health inequalities that affect their life expectancy. Addressing these inequalities is much needed and must be informed by those with a specialist knowledge of autism and by autistic people’s lived experience.
“We need urgent action because, while we are currently seeing the number of people seeking an assessment levelling out, the average waiting time is rocketing.”
Dr Roman Raczka, President of the British Psychological Society, said: “There are many complex reasons why people require mental health support, and this review represents an important chance to identify the range of factors that may be contributing to increasing demand.
“It is widely recognised that services are struggling to keep pace with ever growing waiting lists. Investment in expanding the mental health and wellbeing workforce will go a long way to improving this situation. People in need should be able to access the support they need and deserve in a timely manner, and before they reach crisis point.
“We look forward to working closely with our members to contribute to the review and help shape the processes for mental health, ADHD and autism diagnoses for those who need them. This will ensure improved patient outcomes.”
