- Mental illnesses account for 33 percent of diagnoses between 2017 and 2022
The number of diagnoses of “hidden disabilities” such as bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and kleptomania has soared by almost two-thirds, according to new data.
Mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia account for the majority of cases (33 percent), followed by social and behavioral disorders (22 percent) and learning difficulties (8 percent), according to the latest figures from the Government covering the period 2017 to 2022.
Hidden behavioral conditions include conduct disorder, in which sufferers engage in violence, theft, and dishonesty, and oppositional defiant disorder, defined as “a pattern of angry, argumentative, or vindictive behavior.”
Others include kleptomania, the inability to resist the urge to steal items from others, and pyromania, where sufferers cannot resist starting fires.
The number of UK citizens registered with any type of disability (hidden or visible) has increased by 3.9 million to 16 million since 2011, representing almost a quarter of the UK population.
Mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia account for the majority of cases (33 percent), followed by social and behavioral disorders (22 percent) and learning difficulties (8 percent), according to the latest figures from the Government covering from 2017 to 2022 (file image).
Disability charity Scope said it estimated that 80 per cent of them have a hidden disability – equivalent to more than 10 million working-age Britons – while only 20 per cent of disability conditions disabled people are visible.
The study by mobility company Cool Crutches & Walking Sticks, which compiled data from the Department for Work and Pensions and statistics from charities, said: ‘Hidden disabilities are conditions that are not immediately obvious to others. They can be physical, cognitive or mental in nature.
“Examining six years of government data, the largest increase in hidden disabilities comes from mental health diagnoses.”
The report found that almost all disabilities diagnosed in children were hidden: the most common types were classified as social and behavioral in half of the cases, followed by mental health disorders (30 percent) and learning problems (26 percent). percent).
Amelia Peckham, CEO and co-founder of Cool Crutches & Walking Sticks, said: ‘It is important to note that hidden disabilities can have a significant impact on a person’s life.
‘I personally live with hidden and visible conditions and find the hidden much more complex to navigate.
“In turn, I believe these require an equal level of resources, attention and care to support them effectively and promote accessibility for all.”
Mrs Peckham added: “Hidden conditions and disabilities can make it difficult to work, travel, learn and form relationships.
“People with hidden disabilities are also more likely to experience bullying, victimization and other negative outcomes, so prioritizing awareness about them is key.”
