[The power of a neurodiversity perspective; demedicalizing mental health support].

Authors

Jim J van Os, Femke F Veldman

Published in

Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde. Volume 170. Jun 18, 2026. Epub Jun 18, 2026.

Abstract

This article explores how thinking in terms of neurodiversity can help clinicians take mental distress seriously without unnecessarily medicalizing normal variation. Rather than searching for a disorder label, the focus shifts to a profile of sensitivities and talents, always understood in relation to context. The article shows where the categorical DSM model falls short in everyday clinical practice, particularly due to comorbidity, heterogeneity, and a tendency to overlook strengths. As an alternative, a simple dimensional framework with seven developmental dimensions is presented. This framework provides clinicians with a practical language to work with patients, parents, schools, or employers in understanding where a person struggles and where they thrive. Two clinical vignettes illustrate how this approach can lead to more concrete contextual adaptations, less pressure to label, and a more cautious and goal-oriented use of medication. The core message is that neurodivergence is best understood as a dynamic state of dysregulation in a specific context rather than as a fixed identity trait.

PMID:
42324964
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 22 Jun 2026.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.