Thinking About Diagnosis

March 1st, 2024- Dane Osborne, LPC

When thinking about any label or condition, it is important to note that there are different viewpoints or theories used to define the function of these labels.

The medical model: 

The medical model is the oldest framework for understanding the body and mind. In recent years, the neurodiverse community has named it “the deficiency model” because it focuses on labeling differences through the lens of missing something. A diabetic is missing insulin, a depressed person is missing serotonin or dopamine. Focusing on what is missing or deficient can be helpful because it leads to a quick solution, like taking insulin or drugs to make up for what is lacking naturally in the body. But it doesn’t help us answer an important question…”why?” The disability community has also come to call the medical model “the deficiency model”.  Some questions that the medical model fails to consider include:  Why does the difference exist?  Has it always existed? What purpose may the difference serve to the individual or society?        

The Social Model:  

The Social Model posits that all differences arise from the environment rather than the individual. This means that a “sad” person is only sad because the environment around them is not conducive joy. If you modify or change the environment, most likely symptoms will change or disappear. There is a lot about our society that is not supportive of healthy human behaviors or interactions, for instance, the way we prioritize work and school over adequate sleep schedules. The social model begins with the assumption that there is something wrong with the environment rather than the individual, and it asserts that some diagnoses are simply normal reactions to specific environmental factors. If a family member passes away, then it makes sense to experience grief and depression for a long time (some research suggests that we don’t come to terms with a loss until about a year later). 

The Pros and cons of diagnosis or labels:

Pro:  A name gives clarity 

Sometimes stress and anxiety come from not knowing what we are facing. By giving a condition a name, we take away some of its power, contain it, and give it parameters. Learning more about the label can lead to better understanding and validate a person’s experience. Knowledge is power and most people find it very empowering to understand their diagnosis. 

Con: A label follows you everywhere 

A diagnosis will forever be in your health record, and depending on where the diagnosis is given, it could follow the individual to any medical provider. While the hope is that the provider knows to take into account all possible reasons or outcomes for symptoms, some individuals report that a certain diagnosis blinded their medical provider to other possibilities 

Con: A diagnosis can be restrictive 

Certain diagnoses can block individuals from specific jobs and can even limit the types of medications that medical providers will give patients. So if there are specific career paths an individual wants to pursue, then they may want to consider the risks of a diagnosis.

Pro: Greater access to treatment options  

Sometimes diagnosis can be the only way to get modifications or support.  For example, IEPs ( Individualized  Education Plan) or 504 plans in school and college bring necessary support to students. Without a diagnosis, the school is under no obligation to provide support, such as preferred seating in class or additional time on tests. Similarly, a psychiatrist uses the diagnosis as proof that medication is necessary. You cannot get certain medications without a diagnosis.   

Pro:  A diagnosis or label allows for some distance from symptoms 

Another way a diagnosis may be helpful is it allows for the individual to separate the symptoms of the diagnosis from their personhood. This means that it can decrease feelings of shame because it helps individuals realize that they are not bad.  It is really important to understand that the symptoms of any diagnosis are not the whole person. 

At Dr. Pulianda & Associates, we view our clients as more than just a label or diagnosis. We use diagnosis intentionally in order to educate, support, and help clients get the care they need.