An emerging symptom: The intrapsychic suffering of young people as a “pop phenomenon”?

Journal title RIVISTA SPERIMENTALE DI FRENIATRIA
Author/s Davide Elia Bertani
Publishing Year 2025 Issue 2025/2
Language Italian Pages 14 P. 63-76 File size 239 KB
DOI 10.3280/RSF2025-002005
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In recent years, an emerging sociocultural and clinical phenomenon has been observed: the “popularization” of intrapsychic suffering among adolescents. This trend includes a growing tendency among young people to identify with psychiatric diagnoses, a fascination with the role of the “psychiatric patient,” and an interest in therapy—particularly pharmacological treatment. While such behaviors may represent a search for meaning and legitimization of one’s distress, as well as increased awareness around mental health, critical concerns arise regarding the risk of excessive medicalization, the impact of early diagnoses, and the capacity of mental health services to adequately address this complexity. This article explores the phenomenon from psychological, cultural, and clinical perspectives, offering reflections on the future of adolescent psychiatry.

Keywords: psychiatry, psychopathology, adolescence, social media, diagnosis, pop culture.

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Davide Elia Bertani, Un sintomo emergente: la sofferenza intrapsichica dei giovani come “fenomeno pop”? in "RIVISTA SPERIMENTALE DI FRENIATRIA" 2/2025, pp 63-76, DOI: 10.3280/RSF2025-002005