#Diagnosis

Recent headlines and casual conversations have echoed a remarkable observation: “Everyone seems to have autism these days.” At first glance, the increasing numbers of autism diagnoses — with one study reporting a 787% rise between 1998 and 2018 — might suggest a sudden surge in neurodivergence among both children and adults. However, new research and expert commentary reveal a far more nuanced story, one that is reshaping both medical practice and public perceptions in Thailand and beyond.

A growing body of research and clinical observation suggests that adult ADHD diagnosis is becoming increasingly inclusive – and contrary to common fears, it is not being overdiagnosed. As reported in a recent essay by a US clinical psychologist published on Aeon (aeon.co), the COVID-19 pandemic, rising mental health awareness, and shifts in diagnostic frameworks have all contributed to sharp increases in adult ADHD diagnoses worldwide, with profound implications for healthcare systems, patients, and policymakers, including those in Thailand.

Receiving the right psychiatric diagnosis can be life-changing, yet for many sufferers of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), this clarity comes years after symptoms first appear. Recent revelations and mounting research highlight the widespread misdiagnosis of OCD as general anxiety disorder—a trend that has profound consequences for mental health treatment across the globe, including in Thailand.

The latest publicised case is recounted by a UK health reporter whose experiences echo the challenges many OCD patients face. For years, the journalist’s persistent, distressing intrusive thoughts were brushed aside as “just anxiety” by doctors and therapists. Only after seeking specialist help, and on the advice of an OCD-trained psychologist, did she receive an accurate diagnosis—a development that she described as “life-changing” (Daily Mail).

In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Washington University (WashU) Medicine in St. Louis have unveiled a novel blood test capable of diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and assessing its progression. This advancement has the potential to transform how the disease is detected and managed globally, including in Thailand, where the aging population presents unique healthcare challenges.

Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating condition that affects over 55 million individuals worldwide, fundamentally impairing memory and cognitive function. Traditionally, diagnosis has relied on a combination of cognitive tests, brain imaging, and the detection of specific proteins like amyloid-beta and tau through invasive procedures. However, these approaches often fail to catch the disease early when intervention could be most beneficial.