General practitioners are raising concerns over what they describe as the over-diagnosis of mental health conditions, cautioning that normal stress and life pressures are sometimes being labeled as psychiatric disorders. Doctors say this trend could lead to unnecessary treatments and may divert attention from those with severe conditions who truly need care.
“Feeling stressed, anxious, or down at times is part of being human,” said Dr. Ayesha Khan, a practicing GP. “We are seeing a tendency to medicalize normal emotional responses, and that can have unintended consequences.”
Experts point to several factors contributing to over-diagnosis, including social media influence, public awareness campaigns, and the growing availability of online mental health screening tools. While increased awareness has helped reduce stigma, it may also blur the line between everyday stress and clinically significant mental health issues.
The implications are wide-ranging. Patients may be prescribed medications unnecessarily, potentially exposing them to side effects without clear benefit. Meanwhile, mental health services can become overwhelmed, reducing resources for those experiencing serious disorders like major depression, bipolar disorder, or severe anxiety.
GPs emphasize the importance of holistic approaches, including lifestyle interventions, stress management, and supportive counseling. “It’s vital to differentiate between clinical conditions and situational stress,” Dr. Khan explained. “Encouraging healthy coping mechanisms can be far more effective for many people than immediately turning to medication.”
Public health authorities are reviewing guidelines to help clinicians better distinguish between everyday stress and mental health disorders. Education campaigns for both doctors and patients aim to promote balanced perspectives, encouraging professional assessment rather than self-diagnosis based on temporary feelings.
As conversations about mental health continue to evolve, GPs urge caution: recognizing stress and seeking help when needed is important, but labeling normal life challenges as illnesses may do more harm than good.
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