Differential diagnosis: the importance of the labels we receive

It is disturbing to see that we are different from the rest. Our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors differ significantly from those around us, and this can lead us to feel flawed, isolated, and misunderstood. When necessary, receiving a diagnosis often helps to alleviate this discomfort.

Nevertheless, When the label we receive is wrong, the harm can be greater than the benefits that we can obtain from an intervention with an equivocal starting point. Hence the importance of differential diagnosis.

Identifying a mental condition is not always easy. People are generally slow to seek help and it is not unusual for an individual to receive different diagnoses over time.. For this reason, results take time to arrive and sometimes the interventions carried out are not the most appropriate.

Do the labels we receive define us?

Opinions regarding the need for labels are varied and controversial. Some people believe that terms like “anxiety,” “depression,” “attention deficit,” or “personality disorder” are limiting and condemning. They suggest that, received the diagnosis, in many cases the person is reduced to it before others and even herself, which can harm her, even encouraging the advancement of a possible disorder.

However, the value of receiving an answer that explains the symptoms we experience is undeniable.. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis benefits us on several levels:

Allows you to give meaning to the experienceunderstand why we feel, think or act in a certain way and free ourselves from guilt.Helps identify the possible origin of the condition and to understand why it has emerged in the context of our own biological and environmental variables.Offers the opportunity to connect with other people who experience the same experiences and thus reduce the feeling of isolation and misunderstanding.Above all, it is the first fundamental step to start adequate treatment.. It is as a result of receiving a diagnosis when we can begin to work with the disorder to improve the person’s quality of life.

The importance of differential diagnosis

We can define the differential diagnosis as the process carried out to differentiate a disease from other similar ones. That is, during the psychological evaluation, other close or related disorders must be taken into account in order to identify which one the person truly presents.

This seemingly simple task requires, at least, the following elements:

In-depth knowledge on the part of the professionalof the different diagnostic categories and their criteria.An individualized evaluationin which the person’s background, life history, and particular circumstances and symptoms are analyzed.The active participation of the individual when offering all the information that is relevant. Sometimes a misdiagnosis is made because the person has not established a relationship of trust with the therapist strong enough to provide some key information. For example, many people are reluctant to explain that they hear voices.

Differential diagnosis and comorbidity

One of the main difficulties arises from the fact that It is common for several psychological disorders to overlap, occur at the same time, or depend on each other.. In these cases it is necessary to identify all those present and clarify the relationship between them.

For example, if a person asks for help because of the high anxiety they feel when socializing, it could be thought that they have a social phobia. However, if he also stutters, this may actually be the cause of his social difficulties.

On the contrary, a person who has a dysmorphic disorder (obsession with a real or imaginary physical defect) may also suffer from an eating disorder (eating disorder) and both entities should be treated.

Follow-up is essential to obtain a good differential diagnosis

Given all these complexities, It is important that the diagnosis be open to revisions and modifications even once established. It is possible that in the course of the sessions data that was previously unknown will be discovered and require a change of course; or even if the intervention is not being effective, it is likely that there is some element that has not been considered and that points towards a different diagnosis.

Since that label we receive determines the understanding of what happens to us and the steps to follow to address it, it is essential that it is correct. And, for this, It is necessary that there be a solid relationship with the professional that allows us to express and share any relevant data at any time during the process. For this reason, do not hesitate to consult different options when choosing a psychologist to accompany you in the process.

You might be interested…