Britain's youth face a mental-health crisis, review finds

Psychologist Peter Fonagy headed a landmark government review that confirms a mental-health emergency among British children and young adults. The study finds that this generation feels little hope for a better future, citing scarce employment, insecure housing and the pressure of social-media comparison as key stressors. Rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders have risen sharply, especially among 16-24-year-olds and young women.

While diagnoses of ADHD and autism have increased dramatically, the authors caution that many may be over-diagnosed and that a label can bring stigma and limit expectations. The report urges the NHS to adopt a single, inclusive diagnostic pathway and recommends schools provide support without requiring a formal diagnosis. It calls on the Labour government to develop a concrete plan to improve the mental-health prospects of the nation’s youngest citizens.