Question

There are many pros and cons in relation to mental health diagnosis. List some in supporting an argument for or against formal diagnostic protocols. Briefly explain the cross-cutting symptom measures in the DSM

Answer 1

Answer- Mental health diagnosis has a plethora of advantages, but while analyzing the topic, it can be observed that it has certain disadvantages as well. The following are the advantages and disadvantages of mental health diagnosis-

Advantages-

It provides a variety of benefits both, to the patient as well as the therapist, as standardization of diagnosis ensures that the patient or the client receive full and proper treatment regardless of their social class, ethnicity or ability to pay for the treatment.

It also provides a systematic and concrete assessment of the problem area and further helps in the development of the suitable goals of therapy. It also helps foster further mental health research in the mental health field. As far as the therapist is concerned, it prevents therapists from coming to conclusions and relying on guesswork.

Disadvantages-

The disadvantage, at present times, is the questioning of the very nature of mental health. It can be seen as a mere oversimplification of the nature of human behavior. Another possible disadvantage is misdiagnosis or over-diagnosis of a problem.