4 Reasons Why Mental Health Diagnoses Are Increasing
In recent years, mental health diagnoses have surged. I believe there are four key reasons behind this trend.
1. Diagnosis Creep
The term “diagnosis creep” refers to the growing tendency to use clinical terms more broadly than intended. Terms like OCD, ADHD, depression, and anxiety are now frequently used in casual conversation or online content. For instance, people might say, “I’m so OCD,” or label themselves with “high-functioning depression” after watching a video.
However, clinical diagnoses such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety require symptoms that cause clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning. While many individuals might identify with traits associated with these conditions, they may not meet formal diagnostic criteria.
Historically, terms like anxiety, depression, or trauma were reserved for severe cases affecting less than 5% of the population. Today, casual use of these labels may apply to 30% or more of people.
One stark example is the term “narcissism.” Clinical Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) affects only 0.5–2% of the population. Yet, in therapy, nearly half of couples report hearing their partner labeled as a “narcissist” based on advice from friends or social media. While abusive or manipulative behaviors are problematic, misusing clinical terms like NPD can prevent addressing the true issues at hand.
Self-diagnosis, often influenced by social media, can further complicate matters. While identifying with a diagnosis can validate struggles and prompt help-seeking, it can also discourage self-improvement by fostering a belief that conditions are permanent.
Key takeaway: Understand whether a diagnosis empowers you to seek support and growth or fosters helplessness and avoidance.
2. Less Stigma and More Awareness
In the past, only the most severe mental health cases received attention—often in harsh institutional settings—while others suffered silently. Today, there’s greater openness about mental health, and resources are more accessible.
- Insurance coverage and telehealth options have made professional help easier to obtain.
- Increased awareness has normalized seeking treatment for conditions that were once stigmatized.
This shift is largely positive, as more people are willing to seek help earlier.
3. Modern Challenges to Mental Health
Modern life presents unique challenges that previous generations didn’t face. Constant exposure to social media, global news, and smartphone distractions can negatively impact mental well-being. Additionally, pervasive marketing messages and a 24/7 online presence make it harder to disconnect and process emotions.
These environmental stressors have contributed to an overall decline in mental health. If you want to maintain or improve your mental health, you’ll need a strategy to:
- Moderate media consumption.
- Set boundaries with digital distractions.
4. Misinformation on Social Media
Social media platforms, especially TikTok, are significant sources of mental health misinformation. A recent analysis of 500 mental health videos found:
- 83% were misleading.
- 14% provided potentially harmful advice.
These videos, viewed nearly 25 million times, disproportionately misrepresented conditions like ADHD, bipolar disorder, and depression. Algorithms favor engaging content, not necessarily accurate or helpful information.
To protect your mental health:
- Verify content creators’ credentials.
- Seek information from primary sources or licensed professionals.
- Limit reliance on social media for personal answers.
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4 Reasons Why Mental Health Diagnoses Are Increasing
In recent years, mental health diagnoses have surged. I believe there are four key reasons behind this trend.
1. Diagnosis Creep
The term “diagnosis creep” refers to the growing tendency to use clinical terms more broadly than intended. Terms like OCD, ADHD, depression, and anxiety are now frequently used in casual conversation or online content. For instance, people might say, “I’m so OCD,” or label themselves with “high-functioning depression” after watching a video.
However, clinical diagnoses such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety require symptoms that cause clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning. While many individuals might identify with traits associated with these conditions, they may not meet formal diagnostic criteria.
Historically, terms like anxiety, depression, or trauma were reserved for severe cases affecting less than 5% of the population. Today, casual use of these labels may apply to 30% or more of people.
One stark example is the term “narcissism.” Clinical Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) affects only 0.5–2% of the population. Yet, in therapy, nearly half of couples report hearing their partner labeled as a “narcissist” based on advice from friends or social media. While abusive or manipulative behaviors are problematic, misusing clinical terms like NPD can prevent addressing the true issues at hand.
Self-diagnosis, often influenced by social media, can further complicate matters. While identifying with a diagnosis can validate struggles and prompt help-seeking, it can also discourage self-improvement by fostering a belief that conditions are permanent.
Key takeaway: Understand whether a diagnosis empowers you to seek support and growth or fosters helplessness and avoidance.
2. Less Stigma and More Awareness
In the past, only the most severe mental health cases received attention—often in harsh institutional settings—while others suffered silently. Today, there’s greater openness about mental health, and resources are more accessible.
- Insurance coverage and telehealth options have made professional help easier to obtain.
- Increased awareness has normalized seeking treatment for conditions that were once stigmatized.
This shift is largely positive, as more people are willing to seek help earlier.
3. Modern Challenges to Mental Health
Modern life presents unique challenges that previous generations didn’t face. Constant exposure to social media, global news, and smartphone distractions can negatively impact mental well-being. Additionally, pervasive marketing messages and a 24/7 online presence make it harder to disconnect and process emotions.
These environmental stressors have contributed to an overall decline in mental health. If you want to maintain or improve your mental health, you’ll need a strategy to:
- Moderate media consumption.
- Set boundaries with digital distractions.
4. Misinformation on Social Media
Social media platforms, especially TikTok, are significant sources of mental health misinformation. A recent analysis of 500 mental health videos found:
- 83% were misleading.
- 14% provided potentially harmful advice.
These videos, viewed nearly 25 million times, disproportionately misrepresented conditions like ADHD, bipolar disorder, and depression. Algorithms favor engaging content, not necessarily accurate or helpful information.
To protect your mental health:
- Verify content creators’ credentials.
- Seek information from primary sources or licensed professionals.
- Limit reliance on social media for personal answers.
Final Thoughts
While the rise in mental health diagnoses reflects a mix of increased awareness and environmental stressors, it’s essential to approach these labels thoughtfully. Ask yourself:
- Does identifying with this diagnosis help you grow, learn skills, or seek support?
- Or does it make you feel stuck, dependent, or powerless?
Focus on building the skills needed to improve your life and mental health. If you’re interested in evidence-based strategies, I offer courses and resources to help you develop these skills.
Take care, everyone!
