A label is a tool which serves an important function. However, when misused there can be negative consequences. I choose to use labels to more effectively understand myself and better communicate, particularly with my pdoc. I use the internet to visit multiple websites to compare their writings, mostly in broad terms, of the particular labeled situation.

But this is only after speaking with my doctor. In a perfect world, I tell him what's going on, he makes a diagnosis, treatment begins. But in reality, we discuss the issues I'm having, he makes his best guess at a diagnosis and treatment, and I go home and see if the treatment works. Rinse, repeat. But I also choose to get second, third, sometimes 4th opinions via the web to see if anything seems uncharacteristic only so I can communicate that to my doc.

As far as the way I see myself goes, just as there is a spectrum of disorders ranging from chronic depression to psychosis, so too, do I see my own situation, and everyone's as fitting within the broader spectrum of disorders, a meta-disorder, each with our own special blend of characteristics. In that regard, I don't care what name you want to give it.

I agree with the rest, good for organizing and research, bad for the tendency to focus on the label rather than what it represents.