Finnish Study Reveals Misconceptions About Depression Diagnosis

A recent study conducted in Finland has found that people often receive incorrect information about depression, making it harder for them to understand their distress. The researchers from the University of Turku and the University of the Arts Helsinki analyzed publicly available information on depression from leading international health organizations.

Understanding Depression

According to the study, many organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, and universities like Harvard and Johns Hopkins, describe depression as a disorder that causes symptoms. However, this is not accurate. Depression should be seen as a diagnosis similar to a headache, which describes symptoms but does not explain the cause.

Expert Opinions

Jani Kajanoja, a postdoctoral researcher and medical doctor specializing in psychiatry at the University of Turku, explained, “A diagnosis of depression does not explain the cause of depressed mood any more than a diagnosis of headaches explains the cause of pain in the head.”

Professor and Neuropsychologist Jussi Valtonen from the University of the Arts Helsinki added, “People seem to have a tendency to think that a diagnosis is an explanation, even when it is not. It is important for professionals not to reinforce this misconception with their communication, and instead help people understand their condition.”

The researchers suggest that this misunderstanding may be due to a cognitive bias, where people naturally think that a diagnosis explains the cause of their symptoms.