Is it useful to use diagnostic labels?

In this article we are going to present the utility of diagnostic labelsas 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 the symptoms. That is, to name what happens to us based on the symptoms that we present. At first it can be said that this is appropriate, since if we know what we have, it will be easier to provide 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 appreciation, we consider it important to first talk about the power that language has in our day to day. 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, "it's just that I'm depressed" or "I've been told that my child is autistic." When we use the verb

be when talking about a disorder that we suffer or suffer, we are integrating that characteristic as part of our identity or the identity of another person, ignoring the other positive characteristics that we have.

• Related article: "What is social psychology?"

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, communicate and manage the different resources or procedures available to us.

Why it is a double-edged sword is precisely because of what is indicated in the introduction of this very 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 that suffering. Putting a name to 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 look for solutions: professional help, a 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 "what we are". That is to say, there is a risk that the person acts against her health, adjusts to that suffering, and may even evade her responsibilities. Therefore, adopting the sick role. Defining the label as part of what it is and ignoring other perspectives.

• You may be interested: ["Why the stigma of going to psychotherapy is fading"](/clinic/stigma-going-psychotherapy-is-vanishing)

How can we help or help each other?

Another point to keep in mind is the influence of the environment of the diagnosed person. In this sense, and although we are making progress, the subject of mental disorders continues to be, depending on the case, taboo and/or something that invites stereotypes and prejudices. For this reason, it is important that professionals explain, both to the person diagnosed and to their environment, what it means to have a specific disorder and make the following points clear:

• A disorder does not define who we are, it is not an inherent characteristic of us.
• A disorder can be a sign that we have to stop and listen to ourselves.
• The positive thing about the diagnosis is that we can move in a direction that makes us improve the symptoms we are experiencing.
• If the environment collaborates and understands the disorder, the evolution of the person will improve substantially.

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

In addition, it is important to take into account the most crucial and important stage of life, childhood and adolescence, when a diagnostic label is received. So it is important that we educate our children from the beginning to integrate those who may have certain difficulties or differences, including learning from them and understanding 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.