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. 2025 Sep;30(3):305-307.
doi: 10.1111/camh.70019. Epub 2025 Jul 31.

Debate: Are we overpathologising young people's mental health? Research shows otherwise - mental health conditions are not being recognised or diagnosed in healthcare settings

Kapil Sayal  1 , Rachel Hiller  2
Affiliations

Debate: Are we overpathologising young people's mental health? Research shows otherwise - mental health conditions are not being recognised or diagnosed in healthcare settings

Kapil Sayal et al. Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2025 Sep.

Abstract

Over recent years, there have been increasing societal, political and media concerns in relation to the 'over-diagnosis' and 'self-diagnosis' of common mental health conditions or emotional disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Using two large research projects as illustrative examples, we highlight that there is a mismatch between concern about 'over-pathologising' young people's mental health and the recognition and diagnosis of emotional mental health conditions in health and care settings. Concerns around labelling risks us losing a shared understanding and language around mental health and mental health care, within services, between sectors, and for young people and families.

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Conflict of interest statement

Prof. Sayal is an editor of ‘Child and Adolescent Mental Health’.

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