overdiagnosis
1
7.4
- noun
- /ˌoʊvərˈdaɪəɡnəˌsɪs/
- Specialized
- The phenomenon of overdiagnosis can result in unnecessary medical procedures for conditions that pose no real threat.
- overdiagnosis of schizophrenia
- overdiagnosis and treatment
- problem of overdiagnosis
Examples
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The new asthma guideline from NICE, due for publication in July, aims to formalise the diagnosis of asthma to avoid the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
Academic text (2015) -
Over the last decade, concern has been raised about the possible overdiagnosis of ADHD due to the drastic increase in the prescription of stimulant medication (Safer, Zito, & Fine, 1996).
Academic text (2006) -
There is evidence that there is significant overdiagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Academic text (2012) -
The issue is complicated by the problem of overdiagnosis, which may imply treatment has reduced the risk of mortality in some individuals who would not have been affected by their cancer.
Academic text (2012) -
As has been discussed, there is the potential for overdiagnosis of some conditions, resulting in individuals being subjected to unnecessary and potentially harmful treatments.
Academic text (2012) -
Diagnosis should not be based on culture and sensitivity alone, as specimens in older patients can become contaminated and result in overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments.
Academic text (2011) -
Social work's role in hospitals and other mental health settings, along with the profession's commitment to social justice, requires that social workers be aware of and take action to address the problem of overdiagnosis of schizophrenia in African American clients.
Academic text (2008) -
Overdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of schizophrenia among African American clients is a longstanding and critical disparity in mental health services.
Academic text (2008) -
Elderly women should have a full clinical assessment to prevent overdiagnosis and overtreatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria, leading to antibiotic resistance.
Academic text (2011) -
There is also the problem of overdiagnosis and treatment and the risks associated with the diagnostic procedure required (transrectal biopsy), i.e., pain, bleeding, infection.
Academic text (2012)
How Diagnosed
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word overdiagnosis comes from over- meaning 'too much' and diagnosis meaning 'finding a disease', as in overcook where 'over-' means 'too much'. So overdiagnosis is when doctors find or name a condition too often, including cases that would not cause harm and do not need treatment.