UK debates overdiagnosis of mental illnesses and treatment

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting recently suggested that some mental health conditions might be overdiagnosed. His comments came during an interview on BBC One, where he discussed government plans to reduce benefits for disabled individuals. This follows a trend of previous government leaders expressing concerns about a so-called “sick note culture” among young people. A report from the Resolution Foundation highlighted that more young people, especially those in their 20s, are reporting mental distress, rising from 24% in 2000 to 34% in 2024. Some media outlets interpreted this data to suggest that young people are avoiding work by faking mental illnesses. This narrative upset many, including activists and opposition politicians. Experts disagree on Streeting's claims. They emphasize that the issue may not be overdiagnosis but rather a significant number of individuals with severe psychological symptoms remaining undiagnosed. Studies indicate that many people who suffer from mental distress do not receive a formal diagnosis, especially among specific groups like those with disabilities, women, and younger people. Streeting acknowledged that people are not receiving necessary support and indicated that early interventions could help individuals return to work. However, this raises the issue of whether he was referring to "over-medicalization" instead of overdiagnosis. Many mental health issues are believed to stem from social or economic issues rather than being purely medical. Despite guidelines promoting non-medical treatments, the use of antidepressants has surged significantly in recent years, with over 8.7 million people in England prescribed these drugs. Experts warn that this medication trend might not improve overall mental health and can lead to serious side effects. A diagnosis does not provide a clear understanding of someone's issues, unlike physical health diagnoses. It often leads to misconceptions and can prompt unnecessary treatments instead of addressing the root problems people face, such as financial or relationship stress. To better support individuals with mental health issues, experts argue for services that focus on actual needs rather than medical labels. They suggest improving working conditions and providing support without classifying people as sick, which could lead to a more effective approach for those struggling.