Mental Health and Sickness Benefits: Lessons From History
Psychology Today
by Joanna Moncrieff, M.D.February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The UK is grappling with a significant rise in sickness benefits attributed to mental health issues, particularly among young people, sparking a heated debate about welfare costs and overdiagnosis. While politicians express concerns over rising expenses and potential misuse of benefits, psychiatrists argue that underfunding mental health services is the real issue, leading to calls for increased funding and earlier access to treatment. However, critics question the effectiveness of psychiatric treatments, which often fail to improve long-term outcomes, as evidenced by higher disability claims despite rising antidepressant prescriptions.
Historically, welfare systems have faced challenges in balancing support for those truly in need with concerns about abuse. The Poor Laws of 16th and 1
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/26/2026