Abnormal Psychology: Impacts of Having a Mental Health Diagnostic Label
As you have learned in this unit, controversy exists in abnormal psychology. There is controversy in defining what is considered normal and what is considered abnormal, and there is also controversy in giving someone an actual diagnostic label. While some argue that diagnosis is a crucial way to communicate with other professionals and the research community and is needed to inform treatment, others argue that diagnosis results in harmful labeling, which affects an individual's sense of self and promotes stigma and discrimination.
Identify at least one positive and one negative potential impact of having a mental health diagnostic label.
Select a position, pro-diagnosis or anti-diagnosis, and defend your position as it relates to mental health diagnosis and treatment.
Finally, discuss how diagnostic labeling affects the individual being labeled and stigmatized attitudes toward mental illness.
Discussion: Abnormal Psychology
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Discussion: Abnormal Psychology
A mental health diagnostic label is a classification given to persons by psychiatrists and psychologists after a mental health examination. The criteria for the indicative label for various mental illnesses are specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Arias et al., 2022). The diagnosis labeling can increase awareness about mental issues, thus reducing humiliation and promoting understanding and acceptance from society. Moreover, the analysis helps people with mental illness understand their symptoms and opt for better treatment. On the other hand, misdiagnosis may result in ineffective treatment, worsening a person’s mental condition (Cuijpers, 2019). Generally, mental labeling has both negative and positive impacts on people.
Pro-diagnosis advocates using diagnostic procedures and tests to identify mental health disorders. The procedure is important since it enables health professionals to classify mental illnesses and generate treatment plans for individuals (Arias et al., 2022). Practitioners may recommend therapy, medication, or both depending on the patient's needs a...