What does the term "diagnostic overshadowing" refer to?

Diagnostic overshadowing refers to the phenomenon where a healthcare provider attributes a patient's presenting issues solely to a known disability or mental health condition, overlooking other potential diagnoses or contributing factors. This can occur, for instance, when a provider assumes that all symptoms displayed by a patient with a known cognitive or developmental disability are manifestations of that condition, leading to a lack of comprehensive assessment and potentially missing other serious health concerns. This term emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach in patient care, ensuring that all possible diagnoses are considered rather than simplifying a patient's situation based solely on their disability. In the context of mental health, failing to recognize co-occurring disorders can result in inadequate treatment and care.