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MNN UK · December 4, 2025 · 1 min read

Wes Streeting orders review of mental health diagnoses amid rising benefit claims

What happened: Health Secretary Wes Streeting has commissioned a clinical review into the rise of mental health, autism, and ADHD diagnoses, amid a sharp increase in related sickness benefit claims in the UK.

Why it matters:

  • The number of working-age people claiming sickness benefits due to mental health conditions has risen by 1.2 million since 2019.
  • The review aims to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective support, affecting patients, healthcare providers, and the benefits system.

MNN Take: The review seeks to clarify whether normal emotional experiences are being over-diagnosed and to improve mental health services by providing evidence-based guidance for diagnosis and support.

Sources: Guardian UK