"Wes Streeting has ordered a review into the diagnosis of mental health conditions, as the government seeks to address a significant increase in welfare spending. The Health Secretary's decision comes amid concerns over a sharp rise in individuals claiming sickness benefits due to diagnoses of mental illness, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to reports in the Times."
"Mr Streeting has reportedly tasked leading experts with investigating whether common human emotions have become "over-pathologised." This move is part of a broader effort to tackle the growing number of working-age people, now totalling 4.4 million, who are claiming sickness or incapacity benefit. This figure represents an increase of 1.2 million since 2019. During the same period, there has been a rapid surge in 16 to 34-year-olds unable to work due to long-term sickness linked to mental health conditions."
The Independent funds on-the-ground journalism across reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech while avoiding paywalls and relying on donations. The outlet investigates financial links like Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC and produces documentaries such as 'The A Word' about American women fighting for reproductive rights. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has initiated a review into mental health diagnoses amid concern over a sharp rise in sickness benefit claims for mental illness, autism, and ADHD. Working-age claimants for sickness or incapacity benefit total 4.4 million, up 1.2 million since 2019, with a rapid surge among 16 to 34-year-olds.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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