The DSM has several purposes which can serve to be a useful tool but can also provide drawbacks. For example, the DSM has given clinicians a consistent language to treat mental health disorders. Additionally, it has reduced confusion as to what certain disorders entail. However, using a diagnosis can label patients and put them in a box.
As a clinician, we may need to use the DSM for insurance and billing purposes. And many times, the insurance companies will not reimburse clinicians unless the patient has a “serious mental health diagnosis,” this puts us as clinicians in an uncomfortable situation.
How do you feel about giving someone a psychiatric diagnosis? Is it necessary or helpful in your opinion and why? What could be the drawback of having such a diagnosis in your records?
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