Diagnostic Labels
Definition
Diagnostic labels are terms used by professionals to identify and categorize mental health conditions based on symptoms observed or reported.
Analogy
Diagnostic labels are like tags on clothes. They give important information about what's inside – such as material or washing instructions for clothes; symptoms or treatment options for mental health conditions. However, just like a clothing tag doesn't define the entire outfit, a diagnostic label doesn't define the whole person.
Related terms
DSM-5: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition), which is used by clinicians to diagnose mental health disorders.
Stigma: Negative attitudes or beliefs that lead people to fear or avoid those with certain illnesses or conditions.
Comorbidity: The simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient.
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