An independent review led by Prof Peter Fonagy finds a real rise in anxiety, depression, self‑harm and eating disorders among UK youth, prompting calls for more mental‑health support.
Prof Peter Fonagy, head of an independent review into mental health, ADHD and autism, told the BBC there has been a real rise in mental distress among children and young people, with anxiety, depression, self‑harm and eating disorders the most common conditions.
The review was ordered nine months ago by Wes Streeting after the then‑health secretary claimed in an interview that young people were over‑diagnosed and "written off".
BBC reporter Catherine Burns spoke to several young mental health ambassadors who echoed Fonagy’s findings and called for an increase in mental health support for young people.
The available reporting is limited to these statements; further details of the review’s scope, methodology or recommendations have not been disclosed.