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People I (Mostly) Admire

153. We’re Not Getting Sicker — We’re Overdiagnosed

Mar 15, 2025
Suzanne O'Sullivan, a neurologist specializing in epilepsy and author, dives into the world of overdiagnosis in medicine. She challenges the obsession with medical labels, arguing that it exacerbates health issues and leads to unnecessary anxiety. Through compelling case studies, she explores the complex mind-body connection, highlighting how psychological factors can cause real physical symptoms. O'Sullivan also discusses the difficulties in distinguishing between different types of seizures and the implications of overdiagnosis, particularly in vulnerable populations.
01:03:45

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Suzanne O'Sullivan argues that modern medicine's obsession with medical labels leads to the overdiagnosis of conditions, particularly among younger patients.
  • Many individuals suffer from psychosomatic disorders, where psychological trauma manifests as real physical symptoms, challenging traditional medical interpretations.

Deep dives

The Issue of Overdiagnosis

The discussion highlights the problem of overdiagnosis in modern medicine, as articulated by neurologist Suzanne O'Sullivan. She emphasizes that many individuals today are laden with numerous medical labels, suggesting that the medical community is diagnosing conditions that were not previously considered medical concerns. This trend is particularly striking in younger patients, where O'Sullivan notes an alarming rate of complex medical labels that seem unwarranted. The episode calls for a critical reevaluation of how medical diagnoses are perceived, arguing they can contribute to patients feeling less well rather than improving their health.

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