top of page
Image by Robina Weermeijer

Mental Health - Depression & Anxiety

Medicalisation of normal distress and questionnaire over-reliance

Overdiagnosis concern

​

The medicalisation of normal human distress - grief, sadness, life stress - as diagnosable depression or anxiety is a recognised issue in primary care. Lowered diagnostic thresholds, over-reliance on questionnaire screening tools and time pressure in GP consultations all contribute. Dr Iona Heath's work is widely considered essential reading for UK GPs on this topic.

Resources​

​

Iona Heath: Role of fear in overdiagnosis (BMJ 2014)​

Argues fear is a primary driver of overdiagnosis across primary care, including mental health. One of the most widely read UK primary care pieces on this subject.

BMJ: Overdiagnosis in primary care - framing the problem (2018)​

Covers overdiagnosis of depression and ADHD as recognised primary care examples. Open access via PMC.

Choosing Wisely UK (AoMRC)​

UK specialty-specific recommendations including mental health and antidepressant prescribing guidance.

Give us your feedback

Was this resource useful? We'd love to hear from you.

Single choice
Yes, it was useful
No
bottom of page