Sunday, February 16, 2025

Beware: Labels Can Misguide Patients

Share

At 11, Kassondra Ola took many meds for mental health. Living in Virginia she struggled with bipolar disorder, misdiagnosed and given lots of meds. By 20, she discovered she had Asperger’s, a condition similar to autism. The rise in bipolar diagnoses is concerning and may lead to misdiagnosis and overprescription of meds. Misdiagnosis can delay treatment for important conditions and make underlying issues worse.

Some believe the bipolar diagnosis has expanded too far, including borderline personality disorder, ADHD, and neurodivergence. Medication isn’t always the best treatment for these conditions. Misdiagnosis can harm individuals and prevent them from getting the proper help they need.

Experts are reconsidering the criteria for bipolar diagnosis to prevent mislabeling. It’s crucial to accurately diagnose mental health conditions to provide the right care and support for each individual.


Vocabulary List:

  1. Diagnosis /ˌdaɪ.əɡˈnəʊ.sɪs/ (noun): The identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms.
  2. Misdiagnosis /ˌmɪsˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊ.sɪs/ (noun): An incorrect diagnosis of a condition or disease.
  3. Overprescription /ˌoʊ.vər.prɪˈskrɪp.ʃən/ (noun): The act of prescribing too much medication.
  4. Neurodivergence /ˌnjʊə.roʊ.daɪˈvɜr.dʒəns/ (noun): The concept that neurological differences should be recognized and respected as a social category on par with gender ethnicity or sexual orientation.
  5. Treatment /ˈtriːt.mənt/ (noun): The management and care of a patient for the purpose of combating a disease or condition.
  6. Criteria /kraɪˈtɪə.ri.ə/ (noun): Principles or standards by which something is judged or decided.

How much do you know?


What age was Kassondra Ola when she took many meds for mental health?
8
11
15
20


By what age did Kassondra Ola discover she had Asperger's?
15
18
20
25


What condition did Kassondra Ola struggle with in Virginia?
Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder
ADHD
Depression


Which term is used to describe conditions similar to autism?
Dyslexia
Asperger's
PTSD
OCD


What did some people believe has expanded too far beyond bipolar disorder?
Neurodivergence
Depression
Schizophrenia
Borderline personality disorder


Why are experts reconsidering the criteria for bipolar diagnosis?
To increase medication usage
To prevent mislabeling
To introduce new diagnostic tools
To support overprescription

This question is required

Read more

Local News