Renowned psychiatrist Dr Thomas Szasz’s video on ADHD resurfaces: 'No behavior or misbehavior is a disease'

An old video of celebrated Hungarian-American psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz has resurfaced online, stirring a fresh debate on mental health diagnoses. Known for his radical views on psychiatry, Dr. Szasz was a fierce critic of the way psychiatric labels were used to control individuals and justify social oppression. In the viral clip, he draws comparisons between historical "diseases" once used to suppress marginalized groups and modern psychiatric diagnoses—particularly Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

"Slavery, Hysteria, and Now ADHD"— Dr. Szasz’s Bold Claim

In the video, Dr. Szasz points out how throughout history, psychiatry has been used as a tool for social control rather than genuine medical treatment. He cites the case of drapetomania, a so-called "mental illness" once diagnosed in enslaved Black people who tried to escape captivity. Similarly, in the 19th century, women who resisted societal norms were labeled as suffering from hysteria, a diagnosis that often led to forced institutionalization.

Bringing the discussion to modern times, Dr. Szasz makes his most controversial claim:

"None of those behaviors were ever a disease, and of course, they are not diseases. Nor is attention deficit disorder a disease. No behavior or misbehavior is a disease or can be a disease."

According to Dr. Szasz, psychiatric labels like ADHD, rather than being rooted in objective medical science, serve as convenient explanations for behaviors that society finds inconvenient or disruptive.

A Lifetime of Challenging Psychiatry

Dr. Szasz was not merely a critic—he was an accomplished psychiatrist and professor at State University of New York Upstate Medical University. He was a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a lifelong member of the American Psychoanalytic Association. Yet, he spent much of his career challenging the very foundations of his field.

His primary argument was that mental illness, unless linked to a proven neurological condition, was not a legitimate medical disease. He believed that psychiatric diagnoses were often used to strip people of their rights, whether through forced institutionalization, involuntary medication, or legal incompetency rulings.

Though mainstream psychiatry largely rejected his views, Dr. Szasz's work influenced libertarian thought, civil rights discussions, and debates on medical ethics. His books, including The Myth of Mental Illness, continue to be widely read by those questioning the role of psychiatry in modern society.

Is ADHD Overdiagnosed? A Debate That Won’t Go Away

Dr. Szasz’s resurfaced video has reignited the conversation on whether conditions like ADHD are legitimate medical diagnoses or simply labels assigned to difficult behaviors. Some critics argue that ADHD is overdiagnosed, particularly in children, leading to unnecessary medication. Others, including many neuroscientists and clinicians, emphasize that ADHD is a well-documented neurodevelopmental disorder with clear biological markers.

The debate remains as polarized today as it was during Dr. Szasz's lifetime. But one thing is certain—his radical ideas continue to challenge the way society views mental health, freedom, and personal responsibility.

Was Dr. Thomas Szasz ahead of his time, warning against the overreach of psychiatry, or did he undermine the struggles of those with legitimate mental health conditions? The answer depends on where you stand in the ongoing debate—one that his words continue to fuel long after his passing.