The number of children and young people in the UK being diagnosed with mental health conditions has risen sharply. While greater awareness has improved access to support, concerns are growing that overdiagnosis may be straining public services and leaving those with the most complex needs at risk.
Rising numbers
Figures show that one in five children in England are now identified as having special educational needs or disabilities or SEND. Since 2015, education, health, and care plans have increased by more than 80%, while referrals to children’s mental health services are up by half.
Concept creep and incentives
Some experts warn of ‘concept creep’, whereby the definition of mental ill health has expanded too far. Families and schools may feel they need to pursue formal diagnoses to access funding or additional resources.
Impact on support services
The surge in diagnoses has created long waiting times and stretched resources. Schools are spending significant portions of their budgets on SEND provision, often leaving less for early intervention or wider pupil support. Some schools are investing in additional support, such as mental health training courses for staff from providers such as tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses, but budgets remain under pressure.
Calls for reform
Policy experts suggest that the current approach requires a complete rethink. Proposals include restricting education, health, and care plans to pupils in specialist schools, giving councils more control over funding, and improving early support to prevent unnecessary escalation.
The debate highlights the importance of striking a balance between recognising genuine mental health challenges and avoiding unnecessary overdiagnosis.