Diagnostic Overshadowing
In this episode of Beyond the Label, Kristen Math explores diagnostic overshadowing, or what happens when an existing mental health or developmental diagnosis becomes so dominant that clinicians begin interpreting new physical symptoms through that label. Through two illustrative patient scenarios involving autism, anxiety, trauma, and unexplained medical symptoms, Kristen examines how premature assumptions can […]
A Moment of Accountability
In this episode of Beyond the Label, I pivot briefly to look at the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ apology and attempt to take accountability in mental health for survivors of sexual abuse and how inappropriate labeling and misdiagnosis has created harm. I think it is a starting point for a larger conversation about the power […]
Why We Label
Why We Label This episode of Beyond the Label explores why we label the world around us and how that labeling is such a fundamental part of making sense of our experiences. From identifying everyday things, to naming physical sensations and emotions, labels help us organize information, communicate what we are experiencing, and decide what […]
Uta Frith and the Autism Controversy
In my first episode, I discuss the controversy surrounding autism researcher Uta Frith’s concerns about the broadening of autism and the possibility of overdiagnosis. Drawing on my experience as a therapist and autism assessor, I explore the growing influence of social media and diagnostic identity, the overlap between autistic traits and experiences such as trauma […]