Episode 64 - A Long-Form Special: Living in the Age of Diagnosis with Dr Anna Hutchinson and Dr Libby Nugent

Diagnosis in mental health and neurodiverity is on the rise - what's really going on and what does this mean for children, families, and society?   In this special long-form episode, the first in a series of extended conversations, I'm joined by Dr Libby Nugent and Dr Anna Hutchinson, both clinical psychologists. Together, we explore the role of diagnosis in modern life, particularly in the fields of mental health and neurodiversity, where increasing numbers of children and adults are being assessed and identified, while waiting lists continue to grow.   We discuss how diagnoses can validate pain, reduce shame, and help people make sense of their experience, while also considering their limitations, the power they hold within systems, and the broader historical and political context in which they sit. This is an in-depth conversation about both the usefulness and the risks of psychiatric labels — and what families might need to consider as they navigate them.