Have We Turned Personality Into Diagnosis?

The surge in adult self-diagnosis for neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and autism reflects a broader cultural shift toward psychological labeling, accelerated by pandemic-induced social isolation and algorithmic influence. While formal diagnoses provide essential access to medical treatment and accommodations, the proliferation of online content often simplifies complex clinical criteria into relatable, yet medically inaccurate, shorthand. This trend creates a "permission structure" that allows individuals to practice self-compassion and reframe their personal histories, yet it risks trapping people in rigid categories that may obscure the underlying human condition. Sociologist Tressie McMillan Cottom and author Mary H.K. Choi emphasize that while labels can offer clarity and relief, they should not replace the capacity to sit with ambiguity or the necessity of developing personal agency. Ultimately, the value of these labels lies in their ability to foster kindness toward the self rather than serving as a definitive, static identity.