Adults living in the most deprived fifth of areas in England continue to face higher rates of psychiatric morbidity, according to the latest Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey.

The survey also found increased risk among people who were unemployed or affected by debt. It was carried out by the National Centre for Social Research with the University of Leicester and St George’s, University of London. The study ran from March 2023 to July 2024 and follows four previous surveys conducted since 1993.

Eating Disorders Rates Climb 

The proportion of adults screening positive on a brief questionnaire for possible anorexia and bulimia increased from 6.4% in 2007 to 9.1% in 2023-2024. Interviews using a diagnostic scale found around 1 in 75 adults had an eating disorder. Prevalence increased to about 1 in 40 among those aged 16 to 24.

Rates were higher among women, unemployed adults, and those with limiting physical or common mental health conditions. Researchers said the small sample size and limitations of the screening tool meant the figures were likely to be an underestimate of true prevalence.

Tom Quinn, director of external affairs at eating disorder charity Beat, told Medscape News UK that the numbers were “alarming, but unfortunately not shocking.” The rise over two decades was “a clear sign that eating problems have worsened,” he said.

Quinn welcomed the inclusion of eating disorders in the survey for the first time, calling it “an important step forward in our fight against these devastating mental illnesses.” He said the NHS “must look at these findings and ensure that support is available.”

Adult Autism Prevalence Stable

The researchers said the study “is one of the best sources of data on the prevalence of autism in the general population.” Overall prevalence was 0.8% and showed no significant change over time.

Mel Merritt, head of policy and campaigns at the National Autistic Society, said misleading narratives about “overdiagnosis” continue to circulate. “There is no evidence to suggest this is happening,” she told Medscape News UK. Research instead shows “significant underdiagnosis for women and older adults, with over 90% of autistic people aged 50 years or older being undiagnosed.”

The charity is urging the government to deliver a new autism strategy in 2026 to support “a more inclusive society that works for autistic people and their families.”

Severe Mental Illness Strongly Linked to Poverty

Prevalence of psychotic disorders remained stable across surveys in 2007 (0.4%), 2014 (0.7%), and 2023-2024 (0.4%). Screening-positive rates for bipolar disorder were also similar between 2014 (2.0%) and 2023-2024 (1.9%).

Psychotic disorders were more common in deprived areas, affecting around 1% of adults living in the most deprived neighbourhoods and almost none in the least deprived. Prevalence was also higher among adults with debt problems (1.7% vs 0.4%) and those with common mental health conditions (2.1% vs 0.1%).

O nly about 1 in 3 adults (37.1%) identified via clinical assessment as having a psychotic disorder in the past year reported that they thought they had a psychotic disorder or schizophrenia at any time in their life.

Mark Winstanley, chief executive of Rethink Mental Illness, told Medscape News UK: “This new data provides yet more evidence of how severe mental illness and poverty feed into each other.” Adults with traits of bipolar disorder, personality disorder, or psychosis were more likely to face debt, unemployment, and poor physical health, he said.

Winstanley highlighted a “concerning” treatment gap, noting that 1.8 million people remain on community mental health waiting lists.

Young People Facing Rising Need

Harry Shapiro of DrugWise said mental health services are “in meltdown,” with long waits for young people in particular. The survey found common mental health conditions in 25.8% of 16- to 24-year-olds, up from 17.5% in 2007. 

Signs of drug dependence were also more common in younger adults, reaching 14.2% of men aged 25-34 and 9.4% of women aged 16-24. Much of the increase was driven by cannabis dependence, which almost doubled since 2014.

Shapiro said people with “dual diagnosis” often fall between services: “Neither mental health staff nor drugs workers feel it makes sense…to deal with one problem unless the other one is addressed first.” He said it is unsurprising that some turn to cannabis or ketamine to “self-medicate anxiety and depression.”

Dr Sheena Meredith is an established medical writer, editor, and consultant in healthcare communications, with extensive experience writing for medical professionals and the general public. She is qualified in medicine and in law and medical ethics.