Streeting stands by comments made about overdiagnosis

Streeting addressing the HSCC on 8 April. Credit: ParliamentLive TV

By Daniel Pye

The health and social care secretary said “I absolutely stand by” my comments about overdiagnosis of mental health in the NHS.

During the Health and Social Care Committee hearing on Thursday he referenced comments made when he was interviewed recently on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme regarding modern health care “overdiagnosing” mental health conditions.

He told the HSCC: “There is anxiety within the medical profession about overdiagnosis and overpathologising of anxiety, day-to-day stresses and pressures and wellbeing issues – which by the way do require support”.

Streeting pointed to a 36% increase in the total number antidepressants prescribed in England between 2016 and 2023, and a 23% increase in patients receiving the medication over the same period.

However, he said he "certainly felt” in the wake his comments there were other patients struggling to access clinicians who could give them a diagnosis and treatment in the first place.