Psychiatrist sheds light on the rise in ADHD and depression cases in the UK
The UK has witnessed a significant increase in individuals grappling with mental health conditions like ADHD, autism, and depression. By the end of 2023, the number of people awaiting an ADHD diagnosis had skyrocketed to 172,000, up from 32,220 in 2019. The World Health Organization reported a 25% surge in anxiety and depression prevalence in 2020. Similarly, in England, around 1 in 6 adults face common mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety each week. Approximately 16% of adults in the UK report symptoms of depression. Notably, mental health services in England dealt with a record-breaking 5 million referrals in 2023, marking a 33% escalation.
The escalating mental health crisis has strained both the NHS and the benefits system. King’s College London conducted a study revealing that 72% of benefit recipients disclosed being impacted by a mental health condition. The proportion of disability benefit claimants citing mental health as their primary ailment has significantly risen. In 2024, 44% of claimants highlighted mental or behavioural issues, a notable leap from 25% in 2002. Dr. Alistair Santhouse, a psychiatrist, expressed concerns stating, “The pathologising of normal emotions and the vast expansion of therapeutic modalities are alarming.” Dr. Santhouse pointed out the alarming increase in psychiatric diagnoses, with the Manual of Mental Disorders expanding from 128 to 541 categories over the years.
Dr. Santhouse voiced apprehension over the trend of medicalising commonplace behaviours that were previously deemed typical. He pinpointed the shift towards diagnosing individuals with mental illnesses, even in cases where such designations might not be warranted. The overrepresentation of mental health conditions nowadays has blurred the line between normal mental states and pathological disorders. According to Dr. Santhouse, societal acceptance of regular mental health has dwindled, whereas mental afflictions have emerged as a prevalent reason for individuals under 44 years to be out of work.
The surge in diagnoses could be attributed to broader societal shifts or the reclassification of milder issues as mental health disorders. Individuals seeking a single label to encapsulate their life’s complexities may actively pursue diagnoses like ADHD, owing to its encompassing criteria. The rise in adult ADHD diagnoses, a condition previously restricted to children, is concerning. The infusion of new cases of adult ADHD has overwhelmed the NHS, straining its resources. Additionally, the diagnostic boundaries of autism have expanded drastically, with a 787% surge in diagnoses over the past two decades.
Dr. Santhouse pointed out that the term “autism” has undergone a transformation, encompassing individuals with varying social skills and functionalities. This broadening of diagnostic criteria has led to a more inclusive autism spectrum, accommodating individuals with diverse levels of social aptitude. Dr. Santhouse’s insights shed light on the complexities surrounding the current mental health landscape, advocating for a cautious approach towards diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
In his upcoming book, “No More Normal,” Dr. Alastair Santhouse delves deeper into the evolving realm of mental health diagnoses and treatments. His reflections offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals navigating the intricacies of mental health disorders in contemporary society. As the discourse around mental health continues to evolve, understanding the nuances of diagnostic practices and treatment approaches is essential for fostering a more inclusive and supportive mental health system in the UK.