410. Why does everyone have a diagnosis these days?

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410. Why does everyone have a diagnosis these days?

The Psychology of your 20s

Why does it suddenly feel like everyone has a diagnosis? From ADHD and autism to anxiety, trauma, burnout, and depression - mental health language is everywhere right now. But are rates actually rising? Or are more people finally being seen after years of being overlooked, misread, or excluded from the stereotype? In this episode, we unpack the psychology, politics, and culture of diagnosis: how diagnostic criteria have changed, why context matters, what social media has done to this conversation, and the tension between labels as affirming, or oversimplified. We explore: • What the data actually says about rising diagnosis rates • Why historically missed groups are being recognised more now • The role of context in shaping our experiences • The risk of pathologising ordinary human struggle • When scepticism is useful - and why it should be aimed at systems, not individuals • Why a label can still be meaningful, helpful, and nobody else’s business Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @ thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com Our favourite sources: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7422602/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4810039/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11747871/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10251666/ https://reference-global.com/article/10.58734/plc-2025-0009 The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.