Recent comments by Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, have drawn both support and criticism for suggesting that the UK may be overdiagnosing mental health conditions, particularly in children and young people. His remarks come at a time of rising concern over long NHS waiting lists, increasing demand for support, and growing numbers of diagnoses for conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
But what does “overdiagnosis” really mean in this context? And how can we hold both nuance and compassion in the conversation?
1. Overdiagnosis vs. Increased Awareness
Some argue that rising rates of diagnosis reflect a welcome shift in awareness, acceptance, and help-seeking. Mental health, once highly stigmatised, is now part of mainstream conversation. More young people are recognising and naming their distress—and seeking support earlier.
However, Streeting and others raise the concern that clinical labels may be applied too readily, particularly in stretched health systems where support without diagnosis is hard to access. In the NHS, a diagnosis often acts as a “key” to unlock help—meaning some individuals may be diagnosed simply to access care.
2. Diagnostic Inflation or Diagnostic Access?
Critics of Streeting’s remarks argue that many people still struggle to get any diagnosis at all, especially those from marginalised communities. Underdiagnosis, they say, is a far greater problem—particularly for neurodivergent people and individuals with complex trauma.
Nonetheless, professionals also recognise the risk of pathologizing normal distress. When typical life challenges—like exam stress or shyness—are too quickly framed as disorders, we may risk medicalising experiences that might be better addressed through education, support, or societal change.
3. Systemic Pressures & the Role of the NHS
Streeting’s comments also point to the deep structural issues in NHS mental health services. Underfunded CAMHS teams, long waiting lists, and an over-reliance on diagnosis as a gateway to care all feed into the current system. Without adequate early intervention or community-based support, the pressure falls on clinicians to label, manage, and “fix” complex emotional needs in limited time.
This can lead to a tension between supporting children compassionately and meeting thresholds for diagnosis, particularly when families are desperate for help.
4. What Does This Mean for Families and Practitioners?
At Circle Psychology Partners, we recognise both the value and the limits of diagnosis. While a diagnosis can be empowering—giving families a language for their experiences—it is never the full story.
We work with HCPC-registered psychologists and accredited therapists who take a formulation-led approach, meaning we look at the individual in context, not just through the lens of symptoms or labels. Whether someone has a diagnosis or not, we believe in providing personalised, compassionate support that meets them where they are.
5. Moving Forward: A Balanced Approach
Streeting’s comments have opened up an important conversation—one that requires balance, nuance, and care. We must protect against both over-medicalising distress and under-serving those in real need. That means investing in:
- Early intervention
- Non-diagnostic pathways to support
- Funding for schools and community mental health services
- Psychological formulation and holistic assessment
In Summary
The question is not simply “Are we overdiagnosing?” but rather:
- Are we listening deeply to what people need?
- Are we offering support beyond the medical model?
- Are our systems equipped to hold emotional distress without rushing to label or ignore it?
At Circle Psychology Partners, we’re committed to offering thoughtful, ethical, and evidence-informed care—whether or not a formal diagnosis is part of the picture.
Contact us to find out how we can support you or your child in navigating mental health concerns with clarity and compassion.
