Are We Over-Diagnosing Our Teens With ADHD and Anxiety?

Is your teen struggling with ADHD or anxiety, or with being a teenager? More teens than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism. In this episode, child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Sami Timimi joins me to talk about when a diagnosis helps and when it gets in the way.

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As parents, we're trying to figure out which mood swings, outbursts, and worries are part of growing up and which ones signal something more serious. Dr. Timimi, author of Searching for Normal, explains why treating everyday teen struggles as disorders can chip away at resilience and confidence. He also shares why a strong relationship with your teen often does more than trying to fix them.

If you're wondering whether therapy, medication, or a diagnosis is the right next step, this conversation will help you think it through with a clear head.

This episode isn't a replacement for professional care. If you're worried about your teen's safety, reach out to a doctor or mental health professional right away. In the US, call or text 988 anytime.

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How to tell normal teen behavior from a serious mental health concern
• Why moodiness, worry, and defiance are often part of healthy development
• The hidden risks of over-diagnosing ADHD, anxiety, and depression in teens
• How clinical labels can shape the way teens see themselves
• How to build a resilient teen without overprotecting or over-controlling

EPISODE CHAPTERS

• 00:00 The rise in teen mental health diagnoses
• 05:41 Are we over-diagnosing normal teen behavior?
• 11:04 Building resilience instead of fixing teens
• 16:25 Why modern parenting runs on fear
• 21:56 How clinical labels shape teen identity

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Searching for Normal by Dr. Sami Timimi

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

CONNECT WITH DR. SAMI TIMIMI

• Website: samitimimi.co.uk
• Instagram: @dr_samitimimi

 

CONNECT WITH DR. CAM CASWELL

• Website: AskDrCam.com
• Instagram: @DrCamCaswell
• TikTok: @the.teen.translator
• Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

 

ABOUT THE SHOW

Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam is hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach. Each episode gives you practical strategies, expert advice, and real-world insight to build a stronger relationship with your teen.

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