Normal human conditions and bad habits are often deemed disorders – a sad trend that takes the colour and texture from life.
The World Health Organisation’s disease classification manual has exploded with entries in recent years.
Everything from gaming addiction to overweight can be labelled a disease, and the consequences for the individual and our society can be catastrophic.
Life and what it delivers, as well as how people respond, has become a series of issues to be corrected.
While it is true some sufferances become health concerns, not every oddity, strangeness, habit or state is a disorder to be treated with a pill, tonic or behavioural therapy.
It is normal to feel anxious sometimes, particularly in new or uncomfortable situations. But too many people wear their anxiety almost as a badge of honour.
And there is a propensity to talk of conditions that are a normal part of human existence as disorders, or as if they are permanent states.
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Twenty years ago, concerns began to be raised by sociologists about the medicalisation of life, and they documented the tendency to classify people’s problems as diseases.
It starts with children. If they act out, seem down or are having a rough trot at school, it doesn’t take long for someone to suggest anxiety, depression or ADHD and the medications that can numb all that away.
There is mounting evidence that over-diagnosis has contributed to the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders in young people.
How convenient for drug and allied health companies.
It is as if we seek medical affirmation of sickness rather than assurance that not all afflictions are here to stay.
Ask any GP and they will tell you people expect to leave their consultation with a script in hand, regardless of the doctor’s diagnosis.
Part of my concern with the medicalisation of life is that it abrogates responsibility, taking the impetus for change away because it frames their mood, behaviour or addiction as out of their control.
Humans are built for struggle. Life is textured but ultimately wondrous, and we can grow if we are allowed to ride its waves.
Dr Jane Stephens is a UniSC journalism lecturer, media commentator and writer. The views expressed are her own.
