Wes Streeting’s recent comments on the “overdiagnosis” of certain mental health conditions have sparked concerns among experts who caution against the stigmatization and punishment of affected individuals. In an interview with broadcasters, Streeting also mentioned the need to avoid dismissing people’s mental health issues too readily, particularly in relation to the government’s welfare measures. Despite backlash from Labour MPs, Streeting denied plans to freeze the personal independence payment (Pip), though significant changes to the eligibility criteria and employment support for those who are too sick or disabled to work are still expected.

Streeting acknowledged the issue of overdiagnosis but emphasized the importance of providing support to individuals with mental health conditions to help them remain in or return to work. Mindsight IV Charity Associate Director, Minesh Patel, agreed that not enough people are receiving adequate support and stressed the need to avoid language that stigmatizes mental health diagnoses.

Professor Robert Howard of University College London warned against punitive measures, advocating for timely and effective treatment rather than attempting to shame individuals back to work. Concerns about the tightening of criteria for disability payments and changes to employment support allowance persist among Labour MPs.

Streeting emphasized the importance of supporting the most vulnerable individuals and reforming the welfare system. He highlighted the challenges faced by young people not in education, employment, or training, as well as those unable to work due to long-term illness, and stressed the need for the welfare state to serve as a stepping stone back to employment rather than simply providing support.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/16/experts-criticise-streeting-saying-mental-health-problems-overdiagnosed