Don't just diagnose!
As a therapist I often hear statements such as “I am bipolar”, “I am OCD” etc, almost as though a person is defined by a diagnosis. A diagnosis does not define a human being. There is no doubt that it can be helpful and reassuring to a degree to obtain a diagnosis. However, there are many facets to us as human beings. When too much emphasis is placed on a diagnosis it can be limiting, and also potentially contribute to creating a sense of hopelessness.
One school of thought suggests that due to the nature of subjective observation, diagnosis can most certainly be open to interpretation, is fluid, and can change dependent on various stages throughout a person’s life. The professionals who are involved in the care and treatment also play a significant role in this.
Unfortunately diagnoses are still often made in unhelpful ways, whereby individuals receive them, but have no consistent ongoing support. This can often lead to disengagement from services, and not feeling supported and valued.
I just wanted to highlight a few pros and cons of diagnosis for consideration and awareness.
|
Pros of diagnosis |
Cons of diagnosis |
|
Could be reassuring |
Danger of being too clinical and not person-centre enough |
|
Could reduce stigma by acknowledging the presence of difficulties’ |
Open to interpretation, therefore not always reliable |
|
Could aid communication and consistency in support plans, when it comes to health professionals communicating |
Stigma due to “receiving a label” |
|
Could help to establish helpful treatments and interventions, which could support the individual |
Impact on self-esteem, as the individual may struggle to see that there is more to them than a diagnosis |
|
Many may not “fit the diagnosis”, therefore will not receive support |
When reflecting on my work, I would say that there have been positives and negatives around where individuals’ have received a diagnosis. Some clients’ have felt that it has been comforting, however with others’, a lot of work has needed to be done to empower them to be able to see that they are more than a diagnosis. The key for me is that everyone is an individual with their own set of needs’. Recognising and working with this is important.
Let’s be mindful when we use labels, and let’s try to always remember that as human beings we will have many different emotions, which deserve to be validated. It’s ok to discuss feelings about a diagnosis, and there isn’t a right or wrong way to feel. The individual should always remain at the centre of any type of support. Remember…don’t just diagnose!
