Growing prevalence of mental health conditions underlines need for prevention and early intervention

Responding to findings from NHS England’s Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

"These figures show the increased prevalence of mental health conditions over the last decade, and pressures on services with more people accessing mental health treatment.

"It is particularly worrying to see the steep rise in prevalence among young adults.

"Although more people are accessing care we know there is very significant unmet need, even as trusts work to expand services and improve support with the staff and resources they have available.

"It’s a real concern that people from ethnic minorities and those over 75 are less likely to get the treatment they need.

"The figures underline the importance of prevention and early intervention in mental health.

"The forthcoming 10 Year Health Plan is a good opportunity to make this happen.

"We also need to see increased support for wider public services, in particular public health and social care, to prevent mental ill health and avoid deterioration."