Inside Out: The In’s and Out’s of Mental Health Diagnoses

 

Student Research Paper by Emma Hutchins

        In the era of the film Inside Out and its sequel, teens are constantly reminded of the reality and impacts of their emotions. Most of us have known someone or have ourselves battled with mental illness. According to the American Psychiatric Association, mental illness is defined as “...health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses can be associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work, or family activities” ( Njoku). According to UNC Health, mental health is as important as physical health. (UNC Health). Unfortunately, mental illness is increasingly common among adolescents, with diagnosis rates rising significantly. Parents and guardians face the challenging responsibility of managing these sensitive situations and determining when to seek a diagnosis and professional help. When addressing mental health issues in young adults, it’s essential to understand the potential long-term and short-term effects of a diagnosis. Although a diagnosis can shed light on an individual's experiences and guide necessary treatments, there are significant problematic flaws in the diagnostic system. These flaws include rushed diagnoses and instances of overdiagnosis.

        Before exploring the effects of a mental health diagnosis, it is essential to understand why mental health issues among adolescents have become so widespread and normalized. Over the past decade, the rates of mental illness have increased significantly. According to the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA), "In 2023, more than 5.3 million adolescents ages 12-17 years (20.3% of adolescents) had a current, diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition (anxiety, depression, or behavior/conduct problems)"( Sappenfield et al.). Moreover, "Between 2016 and 2023, the prevalence of diagnosed mental or behavioral health conditions among adolescents increased 35 percent (from 15.0% to 20.3%)" ( Sappenfield et al.). This increase is staggering. What is contributing to this trend? In his magazine, “Parenting Today’s Teens,” Mark Gregston addresses this issue. He explains, “There is pressure to excel, perform, and conform to cultural demands” (Gregston). He further discusses how factors such as bullying, a lack of close relationships, and social media contribute to this prevalent problem (Gregston). The combination of these pressures on adolescents, along with their journey to learn responsibility and navigate significant psychological changes, makes them more vulnerable to mental illness.

        A thorough medical diagnosis serves as a crucial tool in deepening our understanding of the complex challenges individuals face, particularly when it comes to mental health struggles. For adolescents dealing with severe symptoms of mental illness, it is both beneficial and essential to seek professional help and obtain a precise diagnosis. Profound feelings of despair, including thoughts of suicide, overwhelming unmotivation, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness or guilt often manifest alongside distressing physical symptoms such as insomnia, refusal to eat, and an inclination to remain confined in bed or at home for extended periods (6 Facts Parents Should Know about Mental Illness in Teens). These indicators signal a serious mental health issue that demands immediate attention. When individuals experience confusion about their emotions and symptoms, it can lead to irritability and a lack of motivation, creating a cycle of frustration and despair. Without a clear understanding of their mental state, adolescents may feel lost and isolated. However, an accurate diagnosis can illuminate the emotional landscape of their experiences, providing clarity and enabling tailored treatment strategies that can pave the way toward healing and recovery. This understanding validates their feelings and fosters hope for a brighter future. “Once you have a diagnosis, it can be easier to see the tangible steps that you can take in order to recover or manage your symptoms” (Guyler).

        However, while a diagnosis can be beneficial, it's important to take time to consider the next steps and potential dangers associated with a medical mental health diagnosis. We must be cautious when diagnosing youth so quickly, as this can be harmful and lead to unnecessary confusion. For example, major depression is diagnosed in teens after only two weeks of symptoms that mimic typical adolescent emotions (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). This brief assessment period allows teens to access antidepressants soon after diagnosis, which is concerning, given that these medications can have serious side effects. According to Dr. Josef, a doctor and former FDA worker who specialized in drug safety, antidepressants are among the top ten most dangerous prescription drugs. They can lead to increased symptoms and psychotic reactions, with some even resulting in fatalities (“10 Most Dangerous Prescription Drugs,” 0.00.36-0.02.49). It's common for adolescents to experience unstable emotions, and, if managed properly, these episodes are typically harmless. Therefore, when considering a diagnosis, we must weigh the potential risks of treatment and the possibility of exacerbating the problem.

        Mental health is tricky; the term “mental illness” now covers such a broad array of emotions due to society’s emphasis on the idea of mental health awareness. Awareness is good when used in context, but hyper-awareness can result in over-analyzing every swing of emotion. Think about grief, apathy, stress, etc, when does a common and transient emotional state become a health issue?  The lines between mental illness and everyday human experience have become increasingly blurred. In his book review on “Overdiagnosis in Psychiatry,” Ian Freckelton asserts that Professor Paris believes “the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), ‘makes many of life’s misfortunes diagnosable, and implicitly offers psychiatry as a cure for unhappiness’ (p. Xii, Overdiagnosis in Psychiatry)” (Freckelton). In other words, psychiatry is now offered as a cure-all for every unwanted emotion. This approach contrasts with the idea that diagnoses should be primarily for those suffering from serious conditions.  

        In conclusion, a diagnosis can shed light on an individual's experiences and guide necessary treatments, but there are significant flaws in the diagnostic system. These flaws include rushed diagnoses and instances of overdiagnosis. When approached with the responsibility of handling mental illness, parents should first figure out and address the core of the issue; this could range from everyday school conflict to serious trauma. It is important to know the cause before trying to prescribe a cure. A correct evaluation of underlying problems and appropriate action steps towards healing, including eliminating or managing the cause, will give a good foundation for solving the core issues.

Guardians should invest time and effort to make sure their adolescents feel safe discussing mental illness and life circumstances with them. Just as Mark Gregston says, “Teens tend to hide their emotions and what they are going through. It's important to have a safe space for them in your home where they feel comfortable talking. It’s necessary to know the right time to introduce them to medication and therapy” (Gregston). A diagnosis is no simple solution to mental downfalls. Adolescents are emotionally vulnerable, and they shouldn’t feel as if they are a walking Depression or Anxiety; teens don't live in the Inside Out dimension, after all. 

Works Cited

Freckelton, Ian 1. "Overdiagnosis in Psychiatry: How Modern Psychiatry Lost Its Way While

Creating a Diagnosis for Almost All of Life's Misfortunes, by Paris Joel." National 

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“If Health Is Wealth, Why Do So Many Ignore Mental Health?” UNC Health, https://www.caldwellmemorial.org/wellness/wellbeing-with-caldwell/health-is-wealth/. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025

Njoku, Ihuoma M.D. "What Is Mental Illness?" American Psychiatry Association, 1 Nov. 2022.

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-mental-illness

Sappenfield, Olivia, et al. "National Survey of Children's Health." HRSA, 31 Oct. 2024.

https://mchb.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/mchb/data-research/nsch-data-brief-adolescent-m

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