Disadvantages of diagnosis and diagnostic labels - diagnostic labels

Diagnosis and diagnostic labels are used to categorize individuals for research and treatment purposes (Comer, 2014). Diagnostic labels have several advantages, but they are also associated with disadvantages such as serving as cues that activate stereotypes and stigma.

Despite such drawbacks, diagnosis and diagnostic labels are beneficial because it contributes to a definite understanding of the condition and informs effective responses.

For example, labeling a child as having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder allows one to be more patient with the elevated energy levels and informs the decision to give medications that are life-changing. Additionally labeling certain feelings as anxiety enables one to identify the cause of the anxious feelings and focus on how to manage the condition.

Despite the disadvantages associated with labeling, I believe that they are beneficial in diagnosing and managing abnormal behaviors.