sovradiagnosi

Sovradiagnosi is a term that has emerged in certain academic and critical contexts, though it is not a widely recognized or standardized diagnostic category in mainstream medicine or psychology. It is often used to describe a situation where a diagnostic label is applied to an individual or group, but this label is perceived as incomplete, insufficient, or even misleading in capturing the full complexity of their experiences, social conditions, or identity. The prefix "sovra-" is Italian for "over" or "above," suggesting a diagnosis that is being imposed from above or that fails to encompass the entirety of what is being diagnosed.

The concept of sovradiagnosi can be linked to critiques of medicalization and the oversimplification of human behavior through diagnostic frameworks. It highlights concerns that diagnostic systems, while useful for categorization and treatment planning, might overlook the socio-political, economic, or existential factors that contribute to distress or perceived abnormality. Instead of simply accepting a diagnosis, the idea of sovradiagnosi prompts a deeper examination of the power dynamics involved in diagnosis and the potential for diagnostic labels to obscure rather than illuminate. It encourages a questioning of who is doing the diagnosing, for what purpose, and whether the diagnosis truly serves the best interests of the individual or group being labeled.