Quote:
Originally Posted by BudFox
I am less concerned about the stigma associated with others knowing about a diagnosis, than how the label affects me. "Self-stigma" it has been called.
Seems to me a diagnosis of Mental Disorder XYZ can change one's internal chemistry, outlook, and self-image. The experience could be shaming and pathologizing. Once internalized, it could stay with you for life.
There's also the real possibility that a "mental disorder" is actually the symptom of an undiagnosed bodily disease, and labeling it as such potentially throws the patient onto the wrong path.
|
I agree that this is the case a lot of the time. I think a lot of Ts don't like to talk too much about diagnosis for this reason. If they do, stick to straight forward diagnoses like depression and GAD. I think in some cases it can be helpful in terms of treatment, but that's ultimately up to the client, not the T.
I think looking for a physical source of "mental disorders" is very important, especially in relation to depression. Ideally, a client would have ruled out possible physical causes before starting therapy.