Do I need a diagnosis?

[Storyteller.]

Do I need a diagnosis?
By Robin (PSY)

The question of whether or not an official diagnosis of a mental illness is necessary can be complex and difficult to answer. First, let’s be clear about what we mean by “diagnosis.” Typically, when someone suspects something is wrong mentally or emotionally, they will seek help, either by discussing their concerns with peers (ex. members of TeenHelp) or by meeting with a medical or psychological professional. Generally, the only person who can offer an official diagnosis is a psychological professional (for more information about the dangers of self-diagnosis, please read this article), so if you believe a diagnosis may benefit you, making an appointment with a psychological professional would be the next step toward receiving one. It can take several sessions for a psychological professional to collect the necessary information to determine whether or not you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. This information is gathered by asking about your previous and current state of mind, as well as exploring family patterns of mental illness and other factors that could be contributing toward your current difficulties (for more information about mental illnesses and how they develop, please read this article).

Most psychological professionals will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (or the DSM) in order to determine whether or not you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. This manual was created so that medical and psychological professionals could reach a consensus on what “depression,” “anxiety,” “schizophrenia,” and so on should look like. Everyone’s experience with mental illness will be different; however, in order to meet the criteria for a diagnosis, you must exhibit certain symptoms that are generally displayed in other individuals with the same mental illness. It is important to note that giving someone a diagnosis is not as simple as looking at a checklist of symptoms. As stated previously, psychological professionals will thoroughly assess a person’s history in order to determine whether or not the symptoms, along with other factors, properly demonstrate whether or not someone is suffering from a mental illness.

Now that we know what a “diagnosis” is, what would be some of the advantages of having one? For starters, having an official diagnosis can help guide medical and psychological professionals in their treatment of a person with a mental illness. If someone has a physical illness (ex. cancer), every doctor should have a general sense of what could be done as far as treatment is concerned. The same principle applies for mental illnesses. If someone is given a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, every psychological professional should have an idea of what to do for that person, whether it be prescribing medication or using a certain therapeutic technique. This also ensures that psychological professionals will not use wildly inappropriate techniques for treating someone. Ultimately, if an official diagnosis has not been obtained, there is still some room to experiment, and while this may not necessarily be a bad thing, it can cause problems if the psychological professional is way off-track in their treatment plan.

Having an official diagnosis can also prove helpful with insurance companies, depending on where you live. For example, in the United States, some insurance companies will not reimburse their subscribers for medicine and therapy sessions unless a psychological professional can say that their client has a diagnosed mental illness. Insurance companies want proof that a subscriber really needs the services they’re obtaining, and one way of determining whether or not treatment is needed is by inquiring about diagnosed mental illnesses. If a person can show that they have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, the insurance company can review the treatment plan (ex. medication to stabilize mood, cognitive-behavioral therapy) and conclude that the services are necessary for the person’s well-being. That will then allow the person to receive reimbursement (partial or full) from the insurance company.

While having an official diagnosis can be helpful, it’s not always necessary. Sometimes, people simply have a hard time coping with life events, such as their parents’ divorce, a break-up, or moving to a new city. They may experience symptoms of depression and anxiety that are related to these life events, and once those individuals learn how to cope with what’s going on, they will no longer need to seek treatment with a psychological professional. It is not uncommon for people to see a therapist once a week, and not have an official diagnosis. These people are clearly struggling with something, but do not feel they need a diagnosis in order to seek help. They do not feel they need anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication, so there is no need to contact their insurance company and “prove” they have a mental illness. They simply need someone to talk to.

So to sum things up, having an official diagnosis can allow a person to receive access to certain resources which are reserved for individuals with documented mental illnesses. There are other services, though, that can be accessed by anyone at any time, regardless of whether or not they have been diagnosed with a mental illness. In the end, it all comes down to what you think you need, and figuring out what you need to do in order to get what you need. Some individuals cannot obtain medication unless a psychological professional has given them a diagnosis. Other individuals cannot join certain inpatient programs unless they have received a diagnosis. A diagnosis on its own is not an answer to life's problems, nor is it something to be ashamed of. It is simply a means of seeking help, and if receiving a diagnosis will allow you to access the resources you need, then don’t hesitate to speak with a psychological professional today!