Why more people are getting diagnosed with psychiatric conditions, according to doctors

If you just got diagnosed with a psychiatric condition later in life, you're not alone.

In an interview with GMA News Online, Medical Center Manila psychiatrist Dr. Rowalt Alibudbud said late diagnoses of neurodivergence are common, particularly among women.

"Historically, much of the research and many diagnostic frameworks were based on male presentations of these conditions. For example, ADHD in boys is often more visible because it often involves hyperactivity or disruptive behavior, which are usually more easily noticeable," he said.

"On the other hand, many girls present differently since they often be quietly inattentive, daydreaming, disorganized, and overwhelmed internally rather than outwardly disruptive... because they are not causing classroom problems, they may go unnoticed for years until they reach adulthood."

Dr. Alibudbud said that in his professional experience, many women seek assessment in adulthood, when the higher demands of college studies, work, or parenting reveal longstanding difficulties with attention, organization, or emotional regulation.

Pinoy culture

Psychologist and counselor Dr. Elizabeth Pineda said that Philippine culture also plays a part.

She said that young girls are expected to act "demure" so it is not always telling when they're already struggling to cope.

It is also the stigma that comes attached with mental conditions that prevent an earlier diagnosis.

“Lalo na sa Philippines, when it comes to mental health… we are already learning, pero majority is negative ang dating,” she said.

The increase in collective awareness is also why more and more people are getting officially diagnosed, she added.

Increase in diagnoses

Dr. Alibudbud agreed that there appears to be an increase in diagnoses in recent years.

"But this should not automatically be interpreted as overdiagnosis," he said. "Several factors may contribute to increase diagnosis like greater public awareness and mental health literacy, reduced stigma."

Other factors include easier access to consultations, increasing number of mental health professionals, more research on how conditions present across genders and age groups, and greater recognition of adult neurodiversity.

"Thus, we might not necessarily be seeing entirely new conditions emerge. But we are becoming better at recognizing people who were previously overlooked," he said.

He stressed that moving forward, it's important to balance awareness with "careful assessment and the provision of effective treatment."

"After all, the goal of assessment and evaluation should not be solely about diagnostic labeling but rather about accurately understanding people so they can receive support, treatment, and accommodations tailored to their needs, not their diagnostic labels." —CDC, GMA News