Is depression overdiagnosed? No

It is appropriate for the wider community to ask if the benefit of the huge increase in the treatment of depression over the past 15 years has outweighed any harm. If increased treatment has led to demonstrable benefits, and is cost effective, then depression is not yet being overdiagnosed. From a health and economic perspective, we can give a clear answer—more adults are alive and well, and we can easily afford to treat more. Increased treatment of depression reduces suicides1 2 and increases productivity.3 The provision of appropriate medical and psychological care is also cost effective.4

The increased rate of diagnosis has had other benefits, including reduced stigma, removal of structural impediments to employment and health benefits, increased access to life insurance, improved physical health outcomes, reduced secondary alcohol and drug misuse, and wider public understanding of the risks and benefits of coming forward for care.5 We have at last abandoned the demeaning labels of stress, nervous breakdown, and adolescent angst. Most doctors can now differentiate normal sadness and distress from more severe and enduring …