Posted by gardenergirl on January 11, 2004, at 12:23:58
In reply to What constitutes a diagnosis?, posted by Dinah on January 11, 2004, at 11:46:53
Dinah,
I think diagnosis is an inexact science at best. The DSM-IV is there to try to make it more objective, but it is still being interpreted by individuals with subjective ideas of what the objective criteria mean. Certain disorders are much less objective anyway, especially the personality disorders. So you may be given dx A from one person and B from another, both of which make sense depending on how they explain their thinking.Another important question. What does diagnsosis really mean? Will it change the way someone's problems are treated with meds or in therapy if they have dx A versus B? Sometimes.
But you are absolutely right about the stigma and prejudice associated with certain diagnoses, especially borderline traits or disorder. Do you agree with one or more of the diagnoses given to you? Do you have to disclose, whether you agree or not? That depends on you. I tend to disclose my depression, including the atypical aspects of it in order to reduce the stigma of mental illness. I am also surrounded at work with people who are studying to be or who already are psychologists, so disclosure at work is a very safe thing to do. I still don't think most of my family "gets it", but I figure that anyone who sees that I am a good, valuable, strong person who also uses an AD and goes to therapy is learning something about people with mental illness. (At least that is my hope. Some people will likely never get it.)
But disclosing something like a personality trait or disorder with such stigma is a very different deal, unfortunately. There is such stigma even among helping professions that I really feel for you. Only you can decide whether to disclose or not in any situation.
Good question!
g
poster:gardenergirl
thread:299404
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040110/msgs/299414.html