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An Overdiagnosis Epidemic Is Harming Patients’ Mental Health

Diagnosing patients when there aren’t effective treatments to give them can make their symptoms worse, argues neurologist Suzanne O’Sullivan.



- Neurologist Suzanne O’Sullivan highlights that overdiagnosis is causing harm, particularly worsening mental health by diagnosing without effective treatments. - Examples include a 787% increase in autism diagnoses in the UK and an 85% overdiagnosis rate for Lyme disease, even in areas where it's impossible to contract. - O’Sullivan discusses the nocebo effect, where a diagnosis alone can exacerbate symptoms, and the shift in defining health versus sickness leading to unnecessary labels. - Despite more diagnoses, mental health outcomes haven't improved, suggesting potential harm. - She notes that in some cases, such as prostate cancer, watchful waiting may be more beneficial than immediate treatment.

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