SINGAPORE: A major British government review has found that ADHD and autism diagnoses have skyrocketed despite the conditions not becoming more common, warning children risk being over-diagnosed.

The 400-page report, commissioned by former health secretary Wes Streeting, found “little evidence of a substantial change” in true rates since 2000. Yet ADHD diagnoses surged from under 0.5 per cent to 3 or 4 per cent, while recorded autism rates jumped from an estimated 1 per cent to more than 4 per cent.

Review chair Professor Peter Fonagy said young people should receive help based on actual needs.

The review attributed rising distress to modern pressures: less sleep, exercise and social time and more screen time.