What Are Psychological Diagnoses?
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Question:
What are diagnoses and why do psychologists use them?
Answer:
Most clinical psychologists have been trained to work with clients in order to relieve some kind of suffering or symptom such as anxiety or depression. Just as a doctor can better treat a patient when she knows the problem is say, a respiratory infection, the psychologist also can be more helpful when he knows what to identify as the psychological problem.
Major mental illness, such as schizophrenia, is quite serious and requires intensive monitoring as well as medication. Diagnoses are important when a referral for medication is involved.
On the other end of the spectrum are people who are functioning fairly well, but are dealing with a life adjustment issue that is causing them some strain.
The DSM-4 is a manual that is periodically updated. It is a catalogue of the various mental disorders and problems, from the most serious to the more minor ones. Use of a DSM-4 diagnosis is required for reimbursement by an insurance company.
Some psychologists prefer not use diagnoses, generally because it does not fit with their theory or style of working with clients. Family therapists, for example, work with the whole family system and so do not use diagnosis in interventions.
Tags: diagnosis, mental illness, Psychologist
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