Is it Useful to Use Diagnostic Labels?

In this article we are going to expose the usefulness of diagnostic labels as well as its pros and cons.

To begin with, the Royal Spanish Academy of Language defines diagnosis as the determination or qualification of the nature of a disease through the observation of symptomatology. That is, giving a name to what happens to us based on the symptoms we present. At first it should be said that this is appropriate, since if we know what we have, it will be easier to find a solution, but… Is this always the case? Is it always positive to put a diagnostic label?

The power of language

Before continuing with this assessment, we consider it important to first talk about the power that language has in our daily lives. In other articles we have already talked about how language influences many aspects of our lives, both the one we have with others and the internal dialogue we have with ourselves.

In the case of diagnostic labels, it is also important to take this into account, since depending on how we use it, it can have a negative effect on the person. How, for example, “I am depressed” or “I have been told that my son/daughter is autistic.” When we use the verb be When talking about a disorder that we suffer or suffer from, we are integrating that characteristic as part of our identity or another person’s identity ignoring the other positive characteristics that we have.

Diagnosis as a double-edged sword

It is clear that the use of diagnostic classifications in the health field is fundamental so that we can have a common language between different professionals. This tool makes it easier for us to understand each other, communicate and manage the different resources or procedures we have available.

Why it is a double-edged sword is precisely because of what is indicated in the introduction of this same article. On the one hand, diagnoses have the benefit that a person and/or their family can understand what is happening and, therefore, can help alleviate this suffering. Naming what happens to us or what happens to a close person gives us security and reduces uncertainty. Thanks to this, they can make the decision to seek solutions: professional help, treatment, adhere to it and, ultimately, take care of themselves or take care of the person close to them.

On the other hand, precisely by knowing this diagnosis, one can choose to act in the same way, which would be justified by “that which we are.” That is to say, there is a risk that the person will act against his or her health, adapt to that suffering, and may end up avoiding his or her responsibilities. Therefore, adopting the sick role. Defining the label as part of what it is and ignoring other perspectives.

How can we help or help each other?

Another point to take into account is the influence of the environment of the diagnosed person. In this sense and, although we are making progress, the topic of mental disorders continues to be, depending on the case, taboo and/or something that invites stereotypes and prejudices. This is why it is important that professionals explain, both to the diagnosed person and to those around them, what it means to have a specific disorder and make the following points clear:

Finally, it is worth mentioning the need to continue advancing in this sense, raising awareness in our environment and ourselves and educating, in general, society to accept differences that may exist among people for different reasons. Ultimately, we all have our strengths and weaknesses in one way or another and it is important not to feel judged or undervalued for this.

Additionally, it is important to take into account the most crucial and important stage of life, childhood and adolescence, when a diagnostic label is received. Therefore, it is important that we educate our little ones from the beginning to integrate those who may have certain difficulties or differences, even that they learn from them and understand that these differences can enrich them.

In the middle PsychoAlmería We have health psychologists with experience in helping in the process of assimilating the initial phase of receiving a diagnosis, as well as reducing the associated negative symptoms. The psychologists at PsicoAlmería will help both minors and their families in these early stages of life.