Oct. 8, 2025
Midlife Crisis: The Mental Disorder That SHOULD BE in the DSM
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In this episode, the host traces the history of how the term 'midlife crisis' was coined in the 1960s by Canadian psychoanalyst Elliot Jacques. Before becoming part of popular vernacular, midlife crises were often misunderstood and mislabeled as 'second adolescence' or a 'nervous breakdown'. This episode explains how the term allowed for more dialogue and understanding around this developmental stage, while stressing the necessity for its inclusion in the DSM. The host calls for greater awareness and study, asserting that acknowledging this stage's psychological roots will provide better support for those affected.