Accusations that young people are a "snowflake generation" are inaccurate, according to the head of an independent review into mental health, ADHD, and autism. Professor Peter Fonagy told the BBC that there has been a genuine increase in mental distress among children and young people, with anxiety, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders being the most prevalent issues.

Fonagy’s review, commissioned by Wes Streeting nine months ago following claims that young people were over-diagnosed, is expected to influence government policies on everything from NHS services to support for those not in education, employment, or training. The review's findings are anticipated later this week.

The clinical psychologist, who has advised NHS England, stated that the rise in mental health problems observed since the 1990s is real, affecting approximately one in four individuals aged 16 to 24. He highlighted economic and employment uncertainty, alongside the pressures of social media, as significant contributing factors to a "toxic environment" for today's youth.

Fonagy believes that young people today face a more challenging childhood than previous generations. He expressed admiration for their ability to adapt to a difficult environment, stating that adults have "let them down" and that current generations may feel their children will have a worse life than they did.

The review involved over 100 experts and families with experience of mental health issues. While some data on mental health trends relies on self-reporting, and sceptics question over-medicalisation of normal life stresses, NHS figures indicate a 50% rise in children and young people engaging with mental health services in England over the past five years.

Fonagy’s personal experience of mental health struggles as a teenager, including suicidal thoughts after moving to London from Hungary without his parents, motivated his work. He credits therapy from a local service with saving his life.

He urged those who dismiss current youth struggles as mere "snowflake" behaviour to experience life as a 16-year-old for 24 hours to understand the "real serious challenges" they face.

The review's conclusions are expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the mental health landscape for young people, aiming to inform policy and support systems to better address the growing concerns.