Imposter Syndrome isn’t a diagnosable mental health disorder. You won’t find it in manuals like the ICD-10 or DSM-5, and it’s not something the NHS will offer treatment for directly. But that doesn’t mean it’s not real—or that it’s not worth taking seriously.
Like other common difficulties—low self-esteem, shame, stress, perfectionism—Imposter Syndrome might not be a clinical diagnosis, but it can have a very real impact on your mental health, relationships, and career.
So, what is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome shows up in the ways you think, feel, and behave. You might recognise some of these:
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A persistent fear of being "found out" as not good enough
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Dismissing your successes as luck or a fluke
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Feeling like you’ve somehow tricked others into thinking you’re more capable than you are
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Putting huge pressure on yourself to get things right
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Holding back from opportunities for fear of failing or being exposed
It’s incredibly common—especially in high-achieving environments. Despite how it feels, you’re not alone in this.
If it’s so common and distressing, why isn’t it a mental health diagnosis?
Imposter Syndrome isn’t considered a formal mental health disorder for a few reasons:
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It overlaps with other issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem
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It often shows up in response to specific situations—like a promotion, public speaking, or taking on more responsibility
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It’s rooted in patterns of thinking rather than a broader mental illness
But just because it’s not a “disorder” doesn’t mean it’s not causing distress—or getting in the way of your life.
The impact is real
Imposter Syndrome can affect how you feel about yourself, the choices you make, and how you show up in the world. It can lead to:
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Overworking and burnout
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Avoiding opportunities or playing small
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Constant self-doubt and second-guessing
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Struggles with confidence and low mood
And it doesn’t just go away by itself. In fact, many of the ways we try to cope—like perfectionism, procrastination, or keeping our heads down—can make it worse.
You don’t need a diagnosis to get help
The medical model of diagnosis can be useful, but it also has its limitations. One of the most important questions to ask is: Is this getting in the way of how I want to live?
If imposter feelings are holding you back, affecting your wellbeing, or keeping you stuck in unhelpful patterns, then it’s worth addressing—regardless of whether it has a label.
What next?
You don’t have to stay stuck in these patterns. Therapy can help you understand what’s driving your imposter feelings, how they’re maintained, and how you can start to relate to them differently. Other posts on this site explore the steps you can take.
The takeaway
Imposter Syndrome might not be a formal diagnosis, but that doesn’t make it any less real. If it’s affecting your quality of life, it’s valid—and it’s worth working on. You don’t need to wait until it gets worse. Change is possible, and support is available.