The UK Government has published the findings of the Independent Review into prevalence and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism in England.
Responding to the report, Professor Subodh Dave, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists said:
“Millions of people have had their lives turned upside down by poor mental health, including illnesses and neurodevelopmental conditions that are often severe, disabling and overlapping. The report makes it clear that we must reduce unacceptably long waiting lists for high-quality assessments and improve access to specialist treatments that are too frequently unavailable if we are to address this.
“More children and young people are suffering significant distress because of a constantly changing world they have almost no control over. Those showing initial signs of distress shouldn’t need a diagnosis to access basic levels of support at school, work or within their communities.
“We hope Professor Fonagy’s review will drive renewed focus on mental health at every level of society in England, particularly for people with severe and enduring mental illnesses. We need mental health services that are responsive, connected and consistent if we are to support people to be healthy and active, which must be backed by an expansion of the workforce and investment. Those with the most complex needs must have timely access to psychiatric expertise.
“The College will take time to consider the report’s findings in full and looks forward to working with stakeholders to ensure its recommendations deliver the best possible results for people with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities and neurodevelopmental conditions as well as clinicians who care for them.”
For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
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