Is a psychiatric diagnosis meaningful because it provides an explanation of symptoms or is it hurtful because it’s socially stigmatizing for the afflicted individual? According to some scientists, psych diagnoses are not helpful because they just create an illusion of an explanation of symptoms. In fact, diagnosing a person with a specific psych condition is largely dependent upon the type of professional doing the diagnosing and the person’s opinion. Experts have found that the actual diagnosis often hinders the patient’s specific treatment needs. Psychologist Jonathan Shedler has found that many “evidence-based” therapies are not effective for most people the majority of the time.
Key Takeaways:
- A psychiatric diagnosis can be a relief for someone with disturbing symptoms which have never been given a meaningful context.
- Conversely, a psychiatric diagnosis can feel like a stigma, something the diagnosed worries will alienate those that enter his life.
- Although a psychiatric diagnosis can carry value, it is important to realize that different professionals arrive at these diagnosis by different paths.
“In some cases, a diagnosis makes it possible to determine not only proper medication, but the most useful therapeutic approach for a particular client.”
Read more: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-couch/201907/is-psychiatric-diagnosis-meaningless