Summary

  • There is a risk of people being over-diagnosed with ADHD and autism, an official review in England says

  • A rise in diagnoses over the past 25 years means cases now appear to be outstripping the expected number in the population for some younger age groups, experts say

  • They call for tougher regulation of private firms offering assessments for the NHS, saying they have concerns about quality and consistency

  • But the review concludes the rise in mental health problems that has been seen among young people is real – and says there needs to be better support for all conditions

  • Review chair Prof Peter Fonagy will be speaking to Radio 4's Today programme to discuss his findings from 07:50 BST

Live Reporting

Edited by Rorey Bosotti

  1. Young people aren't snowflakes, says head of official review

    Prof Peter Fonagy

    Prof Peter Fonagy, who led the independent review, has dismissed the idea that young people are "a snowflake generation".

    Fonagy told the BBC before the report was released that he is "in awe of the way they [young people] have adjusted to an environment that is far more difficult than I ever had to face".

    Economic and employment uncertainty paired with the pressures of social media have created a "very toxic" environment for young people, the review's chief said last month.

    "Adults have let them down. We're the first generation that probably collectively feels we had a better life than our children will have.

    "So, to the person who says it's a snowflake generation, just try living 24 hours as a 16-year-old."

    • We're expecting to hear from Fonagy a bit later on BBC Radio 4's Today programme about the findings of the review

  2. What is ADHD, autism and mental health?

    Nick Triggle
    Health correspondent

    Mental ill health includes conditions such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders. They can arise at any stage and life and may come and go. They often respond well to treatment.

    ADHD and autism are neurodevelopmental conditions, strongly genetically influenced and present from early life. They affect attention, communication and behaviour.

    With the right adjustments, many people live full lives - although some face substantial difficulties and their condition is accompanied by a learning disability.

    Traits relating to these conditions – inattention, social difficulties and emotional regulation – occur in varying degrees across the population, but that is not the same as having a diagnosable condition.

  3. Review finds risk of over-diagnosis of ADHD and autism

    A school-aged boy sitting down at a desk, several sheets of paper and a ceramic bowl in front of him. He's holding a pencil in his left hand, which is resting with the back over the boy's cheek. In his right hand, he's holding a fidget toy. A woman in a long-sleeved beige shirt and black trousers is leaning over himGetty Images

    An official review in England has found there is a risk of people being over-diagnosed with ADHD and autism.

    Experts say a rise in diagnoses over the past 25 years means cases now appear to be outstripping the expected number in the population for some younger age groups.

    The review also says the rise in mental health problems that has been seen among young people is real and there needs to be better support in place.

    Published overnight, the report by Prof Peter Fonagy was commissioned 10 months ago by then-health secretary Wes Streeting and applies to England only.

    It comes as NHS figures show the number of children and young people in contact with mental health services in England has risen by 50% in the past five years.

    Fonagy, a clinical psychologist and adviser to NHS England, told the BBC last month the review "dismisses the idea of a snowflake generation" and insisted "it's harder to be young now". He'll be speaking to Radio 4's Today programme from 07:50 BST.

    Stick with us as we bring you the key findings from the review and analysis from experts.