What does the term 'diagnostic overshadowing' mean?

The term 'diagnostic overshadowing' refers to the phenomenon where mental health diagnoses can lead to the neglect of physical health issues. This occurs when healthcare providers focus predominantly on a patient's mental health conditions, potentially overlooking or misattributing physical symptoms to the mental illness itself. This bias can result in inadequate treatment and mismanagement of physical health concerns that may coexist with mental health disorders.

The correct understanding of 'diagnostic overshadowing' is particularly important in the context of holistic care; it emphasizes the need for practitioners to remain vigilant in evaluating both mental and physical health to ensure comprehensive treatment.