THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DIAGNOSIS AND DISEASE/ DISORDER
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Diagnosis and Disease: Understanding the Fundamental Distinctions
In the field of psychology, the distinction between diagnosis and disease (or disorder) is a critical subject of debate. This analysis explores these differences while avoiding a reductionist perspective, synthesizing the ideas of prominent philosophers and psychologists. The core objective is to examine how human-made constructs interact with objective realities.
The Conceptual Gap: Human-Made Constructs vs. Pure Reality
The primary difference between these two concepts lies in their origin and nature. A diagnosis is a human-made concept, a framework designed to categorize and label experiences. In contrast, a disease represents a situation of pure reality. This distinction suggests that while the underlying condition exists, the labels we apply to it are subject to human interpretation.
The Influence of Michel Foucault on Psychological Definitions
Michel Foucault’s contributions to psychology and political philosophy offer a revolutionary perspective on this issue. His work highlights the problematic nature of the "definition of normal." Because human-made definitions are inherently fluid and open to discussion, they are fundamentally political. These definitions dictate who is considered "normal" and who is marginalized by society.
The Political Nature of Mental Health Classifications
History demonstrates that diagnostic labels are often reflections of the era in which they were created. A significant example is the classification of homosexuality, which illustrates the shift from perceived pathology to the recognition of reality:
- 1973: The American Psychiatry Association (APA) decided that homosexuality was not a sickness or emotional disease.
- 1990: The World Health Organization (WHO) officially removed homosexuality from its list of diseases.
Despite these formal changes, the social and psychological repercussions of being labeled "sick" persist. Homosexuality is a reality, yet the normative human-society behavior of labeling it a sickness led to unimaginable violence and inhuman treatment of LGBTI+ individuals by both families and society.
The Evolution of the DSM and Clinical Responsibility
| Concept | Nature | Stability |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnosis | Human-made / Political | Subject to change (e.g., DSM updates) |
| Disease/Reality | Objective Reality | Constant regardless of labels |
As we look toward the future, it remains uncertain how the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) will continue to change or how definitions will progress. The power to decide what constitutes a "disorder" remains a central issue in clinical practice.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Humanitarian Values in Psychology
For members of the psychological community, the most vital responsibility is to maintain sympathy and uphold humanitarian values. While diagnostic frameworks may evolve, the ethical treatment of the client must remain the priority. Practitioners must never forget the human element when navigating the complex landscape of clinical definitions.
