Alidiagnostinen

Alidiagnostinen is a Finnish term describing a subdiagnostic presentation in medical and psychological contexts. It refers to cases in which an individual exhibits symptoms or impairments that suggest a disorder but do not meet the full diagnostic criteria as defined by international classifications such as DSM-5 or ICD-11. In practice, alidiagnostinen may apply to mental health, developmental, or medical conditions where symptoms are milder, fragmentary, or evolving over time.

Examples include subthreshold mood symptoms that do not reach major depressive disorder criteria, attentional difficulties not sufficient for ADHD, or social communication traits that are not enough for autism spectrum disorder. The concept is used to acknowledge clinically relevant phenomena that lie short of a formal diagnosis, guiding observation and potential early action.

Alidiagnostinen may be used to justify monitoring, further assessment, or early intervention aimed at preventing progression, while avoiding premature labeling. It is often incorporated into clinical decision-making to capture risk states, support families, and guide follow-up schedules. However, the concept faces criticism: lack of universal criteria can lead to inconsistency, variation across clinicians, and potential over- or under-treatment. Some argue that subdiagnostic language risks pathologizing normal variation, while others view it as a pragmatic tool for early help.

Related concepts include subclinical symptoms, provisional diagnoses, and borderline or emerging disorders. The term’s usage is more common in Finnish medical literature, and its exact interpretation may vary by context and discipline.