overmedicalisation

Overmedicalisation refers to the excessive or inappropriate use of medical interventions, treatments, or diagnostic procedures that may not be necessary or beneficial for a patient’s condition. This phenomenon occurs when medical practices extend beyond what is clinically justified, often driven by factors such as financial incentives, overdiagnosis, or societal expectations of medical solutions for everyday issues.

The concept gained prominence as healthcare systems evolved, particularly with the rise of advanced medical technologies and pharmaceuticals. Overmedicalisation can lead to unnecessary medical procedures, excessive medication use, or prolonged diagnostic testing, which may cause physical harm, psychological distress, or increased healthcare costs. For example, routine screenings for conditions with low prevalence or minimal risk may identify false positives, leading to unnecessary treatments.

Contributing factors include profit-driven healthcare models, where providers may encourage unnecessary services to maximize revenue, as well as patient demand for medical interventions even for minor concerns. Additionally, medical guidelines and insurance policies sometimes promote overuse by expanding criteria for treatment without sufficient evidence of benefit.

Critics argue that overmedicalisation shifts focus away from preventive care and holistic well-being, instead prioritising reactive medical solutions. It can also erode trust in healthcare systems if patients perceive interventions as overly aggressive or unnecessary. Conversely, proponents note that some medical advancements have improved outcomes, and caution must be exercised to avoid dismissing legitimate medical needs.

Addressing overmedicalisation requires balanced approaches, such as evidence-based guidelines, patient education, and regulatory oversight to ensure treatments align with clinical necessity. Public awareness and critical evaluation of medical recommendations play key roles in mitigating its effects.