Young people’s Pip claims for ADHD and autism ‘rising fastest in affluent areas’
Experts say trend across England probably reflects swifter access to diagnoses as wealthier families go private Some of the most affluent areas of England have had the sharpest rises in the proportion of young people claiming disability benefits for ADHD and autism since the pandemic, according to new research. Claims for the personal independence payment (Pip) benefit for these health conditions…
The head of an independent review into mental health, ADHD, and autism, Prof Peter Fonagy, has disputed the notion that the young are a "snowflake generation," stating that there has been a real rise in mental distress among children and young people. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Fonagy highlighted anxiety, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders as the most common issues faced by this generation.
He attributes this rise to economic and employment uncertainty, as well as the challenges posed by social media. Fonagy, who has a personal history of mental health struggles, emphasized the difficulties young people face today compared to his own experience. He criticized adults for not providing adequate support, stating that they are the first generation to feel they are less fortunate than their children.
The review, which involved over 100 experts and families, concludes that the increase in mental health problems since the 1990s is real, with about one in four 16 to 24-year-olds currently struggling.
Brief written by urgent.news from BBC Health's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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