Chief Medical Officer Professor Derek Tracy responds to the Fonagy's prevalence report
Following the publication of The Fonagy Review exploring the state of mental health, ADHD and autism services across the UK, our Chief Medical Officer, Professor Derek Tracy said: “We welcome the report and the focus it puts on the challenges facing services and the real increase in mental health distress that is being seen across the country.
“We know there are far too many people with genuine need who can’t access the support they require. It’s a big challenge but independent reports with clear recommendations like this, calling for a system wide and person focused approach will have a huge impact.
“Inattention, anxiety and social difficulties can affect most people in the general population from time to time, but it isn’t always indicative of a neurodevelopmental condition. We know that with the right adjustments, people can live full lives with a significant decrease in problematic symptoms. Our duty as clinicians is to support those facing the greatest severity, persistence and impact on functioning.
“At South London and Maudsley we are fully committed to supporting the change this report calls for. We won’t wait. We will be looking at translating this academic insight into practical change to genuinely better our communities, services and practise to support those who are most critically affected by this emerging crisis.
“We have already been addressing many of the themes and the possible solutions highlighted in the report. We have been deploying resources and support to those on waiting lists to offer help and respite before their diagnosis.
“We have also been embracing digital solutions in a variety of areas including using AI to help save administrative time and streamline our digital pathways.
“These are important actions we are taking but as the report highlights, what is needed is a shift in our systems. A shift across healthcare, education, employment and welfare toward improving the elements that contribute to good mental health and wellbeing is integral to delivering better outcomes for our patients.
“As noted in the paper, practical and clinical support should be available according to need, rather than diagnosis alone. With that, we’ll be a step closer to supporting our wider population in a more cohesive and empathetic way."
Further information and support
If you would like to learn more about ADHD, autism and neurodevelopmental conditions, or access advice and support, visit the NHS website, ADHD UK, the National Autistic Society, or your local NHS mental health services.
Information about South London and Maudsley's services, research and support offers is available on the Trust and King's Maudsley Partnership websites.
Practical support may also be available through schools, colleges, employers and community organisations, regardless of whether an individual has received a formal diagnosis.