Prof Peter Fonagy’s 607-page report highlights a significant increase in mental distress across the population, stating that this rise "cannot be explained by greater awareness alone." The review, commissioned in 2025 by then Health Secretary Wes Streeting, was prompted by concerns over escalating waiting lists for mental health assessments and care.

Key Findings

The report reveals alarming statistics:

  • Approximately one in four individuals aged 16 to 24 are now believed to have a common mental disorder, such as anxiety or depression, compared to one in six in 1993.
  • 4 million children are reported to be in "serious distress," with projections suggesting this could rise to 4.5 million by 2030.
  • Self-harm cases could reach 2.5 million across England’s population if current trends continue.

Despite these increases, rates of severe mental illnesses like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia have remained stable, while hazardous drinking has declined. The report emphasizes that the cost of mental ill health stands at £300 billion annually, warning that the current system is unsustainable.

ADHD and Autism

The review also addresses the rising diagnoses of ADHD and autism. While the estimated prevalence of these conditions remains stable at 3.8% and 1.2% respectively, the number of diagnoses has surged:

  • The proportion of children aged 6 to 11 diagnosed with ADHD has increased more than sixfold in five years.
  • For those aged 12 to 17, the increase is over 15-fold, reaching 2.7% and 3.9% respectively.