Posted by banga on December 6, 2004, at 11:16:15
In reply to Benefits versus risks of diagnosis in psychiatry, posted by ed_uk on December 6, 2004, at 10:39:36
In terms of many of the risks, some could be resolved with education. Stigma--educating the public. Better, more well-rounded training for psychiatrists. To realize one size does not fit all. (I was so horrified when a young med intern told me he wanted to go into psychiatry--"It is all so simple, just three neurotransmitters to consider." Oh god.) To recognize and educate clients about psychotherapy, alternative approaches. Not to encourage the "I am sick and cant do nothing about it"--but rather encourage a take-charge attitude about a complex, multifaceted condition.
I dont recall how it is in the ICD, but the DSM specifies--you DO NOT diagnose depression if the person is in bereavement-the first six months. And after that if they still exhibit depressive symptoms, its complicated bereavment. So if clinicians followed this guideline--and didnt prescribe meds unless the person is in truly critical circumstances, it would be ok in my book. And the educated clinician would also take into account other factors---culture (some cultures grieve at least a year), etc.In terms of job loss/hiring--ha!! that one will never go away. I suffer major depression and alcoholism (and anxiety) and I am in psychology--but NO WAY would I ever let on about this in my career, even this group of "Understanding" people would not be ok with it.
Again, I have many doubts about diagnoses and as you said there are minuses. But haveing gone through problems with invalidgating comments that hindered appropriate care ("you dont have depression-there is no such thing, you just have alcoholism and are in denial"; or on the other side "you dont have alcoholism youre just depressed". or "there is nothing physically wrong, you just are a hypochondriac and have depression" (when I had serious vitamin b12 deficiency). So even if the names are not perfect and somewhat arbitrary, you have to name it to treat it.
I waver between loving the beauty of a non-black and white, complex world and despising it.
poster:banga
thread:422741
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041206/msgs/425242.html