John Harris’s criticism of Wes Streeting’s review of UK mental health services misses the mark. While Harris talks about overdiagnosis being a political move, there’s more to the review than just politics. It’s clear that mental health services are stretched thin, especially for children and teens seeking help.
Fifteen years ago, when I was a clinical psychologist working on autism assessments, the wait was about four to six months. Today, it can take up to two years to get an appointment. This delay shows how urgent the need for a review really is.
Addressing overdiagnosis is important, and many professionals are now discussing it seriously. Unlike Harris, who brushes off the topic, experts like Dr. Suzanne O’Sullivan in her book, “The Age of Diagnosis,” emphasize that diagnosis should help patients meaningfully. Often, fitting someone into a specific category isn’t necessary to provide the right support.
Dr. Allen Frances, a former chair of the American Psychiatric Association, shares that we are actually facing a surge in psychiatric diagnoses due to factors like stress being confused with mental disorders and the impact of self-diagnosis online. This can lead to wasted resources; people with minor symptoms may not need treatment as urgently as those who are severely ill.
Interestingly, ADHD UK estimates about 2 million people in the UK are living with undiagnosed ADHD. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence notes that around one in 20 children has ADHD. However, NHS services are overwhelmed and cannot even assess all children who might need help.
From personal experience working in a primary school and as a parent of a child with ADHD, I see firsthand how common this condition is. The current system simply doesn’t have the capacity to provide timely assessments or support for all who need it.
Ultimately, the conversation around mental health is crucial. It’s about finding a balance between correct diagnosis and ensuring that everyone who needs help receives it. The current landscape highlights the need for more resources and a thoughtful approach to mental health care.
Source link
