The Health Service Journal (HSJ) has reported that Wes Streeting, the UK Health and Social Care Secretary, is commissioning a report to investigate whether some mental health conditions are overdiagnosed.
Adam Crampsie, Chief Executive at Everyturn, commented:
“Framing the issue of growing waiting lists as overdiagnosis of mental health just risks stigmatising people who are already struggling to access support.
“We would never say we are over diagnosing diabetes or asthma, yet when it comes to mental health, people’s experiences are too often questioned.
“The real crisis is under-diagnosis, under-treatment and the unacceptable waits that leave lives on hold. What people need is timely, compassionate care and investment in services, not more barriers.”
The NHS and voluntary sector must work together to increase capacity in our overstretched statutory services and get people the care they need. We also need to focus on preventative support – understanding a person’s whole life, not just their clinical diagnosis. Community-based, preventative support must be part of the answer, as part of a genuine commitment to shift care from hospital to community.