Data shows that diagnoses of “hidden disabilities”, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder and kleptomania, are increasing by two-thirds

New data shows that diagnoses for “hidden disabilities” such as bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and kleptomania have risen by almost two-thirds.

Mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia account for the most cases (33 per cent), followed by social and behavioral disorders (22 per cent) and learning difficulties (8 per cent), according to the latest government figures for 2017-2022.

Covert conduct problems include conduct disorders in which patients engage in violence, theft, and dishonesty, and oppositional defiant disorder, defined as “a pattern of angry, argumentative behavior or desire for revenge.”

Others include kleptomania, the inability to resist the urge to steal things from others, and pyromania, in which sufferers cannot resist starting fires.

The number of registered British citizens with some form of disability – hidden or visible – has risen by 3.9 million to 16 million since 2011 – almost a quarter of the UK population.

Disability charity Scope said an estimated 80 per cent of them have a hidden disability – the equivalent of more than 10 million working-age Britons – while the condition of disabled people is only visible in 20 per cent.

Research by mobility company Cool Crutches & Walking Sticks, which collected Department for Work and Pensions data and statistics from charities, found: “Hidden disabilities are conditions that are not immediately apparent to others.” It can be physical, cognitive or spiritual.

“An examination of six years of government data shows that the largest increase in hidden disabilities is due to mental health diagnoses.”

The report shows that almost all disabilities diagnosed in children are hidden – with the most common forms classified as social and behavioral disabilities in half of cases, followed by mental disorders (30 per cent) and learning disabilities (26 per cent).

Amelia Peckham, CEO and co-founder of Cool Crutches & Walking Sticks, said: “It’s important to note that hidden disabilities can have a significant impact on a person’s life.”

“I personally live with hidden and visible circumstances and find it much more complex to navigate in secret.”

“I believe that these in turn require an equal level of resources, attention and care to effectively support and promote accessibility for all.”

Ms Peckham added: “Hidden illnesses and disabilities can make it difficult to work, travel, study and maintain relationships.”

“People with hidden disabilities are also more likely to experience bullying, victimization and other negative outcomes, so raising awareness is essential.”