The New Statesman | UK politics and culture
Are we living through an overdiagnosis epidemic?
Mar 26, 2025
In this engaging discussion, neurologist and author Suzanne O’Sullivan tackles the troubling trend of overdiagnosis in both mental and physical health. She explores how mislabeling emotional struggles can lead to unnecessary stigma and healthcare complications. O’Sullivan also addresses the societal pressures influencing diagnoses such as ADHD and autism, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach. Additionally, she reveals the challenges faced by patients with chronic illnesses, advocating for a compassionate healthcare system that understands the real effects of labeling.
43:51
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Quick takeaways
- Overdiagnosis highlights the risks of labeling patients with conditions that do not improve their quality of life or address actual medical needs.
- The nocebo effect illustrates the psychological burden of diagnoses, where patients' expectations can exacerbate their conditions even before symptoms appear.
Deep dives
Understanding Overdiagnosis
Overdiagnosis refers to situations where individuals receive a correct diagnosis that does not benefit their health or well-being. This distinction is crucial because it highlights that a label can exist without the corresponding need or benefit of treatment, particularly in cases of mild conditions. For instance, a neurologist discussed a case where a patient was diagnosed with epilepsy while actually suffering from a genetic neurodegenerative disorder, raising concerns about medical label proliferation. The key takeaway is that labeling patients may not always equate to improving their quality of life or addressing their actual medical needs.
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