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Originally Posted by lizardlady
I would say both. If labels are used to stigmatize someone that's harmful. But as somat points out labels can also be useful. Not to be silly, but imagine opening your kitchen cupboard to discover a bunch of cans with no label to identify what's inside.
I believe a diagnosis is helpful in giving a professional ideas how to treat the person. Stepping outside the mental health field for a second - if I go to my doctor with a stuffy nose and sneezing it's helpful to know if I have a cold or a sinus infection. Treatment for the two is different. Personally, I consider a diagnosis a form of short hand for communicating what is going on with a client/patient. It's also how doctors get paid by insurance companies.
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Good post, Liz. I agree...you covered everything I would say about diagnoses.