A government-commissioned review into rising diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism has recommended significant changes to mental health services, disability benefits, and medication practices to better address the needs of patients in England. The report, led by Professor Peter Fonagy of University College London, highlights that while recorded diagnoses have surged in recent years, the actual prevalence of these conditions has remained largely stable over decades.

The 607-page review, published in early October 2026, found that more than 900,000 people were on waiting lists for diagnostic assessments at the end of last year, with young people often enduring prolonged delays before receiving support. The experts emphasized that current services rely heavily on formal diagnoses as gateways to care, which may limit timely access to help. Instead, they recommended shifting the focus toward meeting individuals’ needs based on their functional difficulties rather than diagnostic labels.

Prof Fonagy pointed to broader societal challenges facing young people, including insecure employment, exam pressure, and unaffordable housing, as drivers of worsening mental distress. He also noted the significant role of social media and digital environments, which he said had displaced activities beneficial to mental health, such as sleep, physical exercise, and face-to-face interactions. According to the report, approximately one in four individuals aged 16 to 24 report experiencing common mental health issues like anxiety and depression, with distress levels rising substantially among youth.

While the review did not find evidence of overdiagnosis occurring on a large scale, it warned of an increased risk of misdiagnosis and overmedicalization, particularly as assessments are increasingly conducted by private providers, some of which face criticism over inconsistent quality. Professor Sir Simon Wessely, vice-chair of the review, said a potential downside of diagnosis is that it may define individuals “by their difficulties and not their strengths.” The review also expressed concern that diagnoses could inadvertently discourage some young people from seeking employment or education, pointing to nearly one million 16- to 24-year-olds not engaged in either activity.

Among the key recommendations are calls for faster access to specialist assessments for individuals with higher support needs, a more integrated approach combining ADHD, autism, and mental health services, and a regulatory overhaul to ensure quality standards among private assessment providers. The report also urged a reevaluation of the relationship between mental health diagnoses and disability benefits, arguing that diagnosis should not be the sole criterion for financial support or work capability assessments. It highlighted that in 2024, 40 percent of adults receiving out-of-work or disability benefits screened positive for ADHD traits.

Additionally, the review suggested a reduction in reliance on long-term medication, recommending that more patients be considered for “deprescribing” strategies. Prescription rates for ADHD medications have recently reached record highs, increasing concerns about overmedication. The report proposed the development of AI-powered tools to assist in patient triage and assessment.

In response, Health Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that the government would take steps to strengthen oversight of mental health and neurodevelopmental services, including regulatory reforms and early intervention initiatives. Cooper emphasized the need to better support young people by moving beyond diagnosis-dependent care models.

The report’s recommendation to decouple access to services and benefits from formal diagnoses has attracted criticism from some ADHD campaigners, who argue that it could restrict necessary support for individuals. Nonetheless, policymakers and health officials recognize the challenges posed by rising demand and call for a system overhaul to improve outcomes for those experiencing mental distress or neurodevelopmental differences.