Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Misdiagnosis refers to the incorrect identification or categorization of a medical condition, in this case specifically within dissociative disorders. It occurs when a healthcare professional makes an error in diagnosing a patient's condition.
Related terms
Overdiagnosis: Overdiagnosis happens when a person is diagnosed with a disorder that they do not actually have.
Underdiagnosis: Underdiagnosis occurs when someone has a disorder but it goes unnoticed or undiagnosed.
Diagnostic criteria: Diagnostic criteria are specific guidelines and symptoms that professionals use to determine if someone has a particular disorder.