Why is a diagnosis sometimes witheld?
Some psychiatrists and GPs do not like to give a diagnosis too early, or perhaps at all, especially when the person being treated is very young. This is because they are afraid of 'labelling' the person with a diagnosis which may affect his chances of obtaining employment, insurance or even housing in the future.
Rethink is also aware of the profound effect which misunderstandings and prejudice about mental illness can have on someone with an illness, and to their carer(s). Doctors may be unable to make a quick diagnosis, since for certain conditions symptoms must be present over an extended period of time. For example, a diagnosis of schizophrenia means that symptoms must have been present for at least six months.
On the other hand, knowing the diagnosis can help both the individual and carer to find positive ways of coping, and sources of help like Rethink support groups. When a diagnosis is given both the person experiencing the symptoms and their carer may feel uncertain about its accuracy.
If this worry persists, a second opinion can be requested. There is not an automatic legal right to this, but it might be arranged with another psychiatrist working locally or through the Second Opinion Clinic at the National Psychosis Unit in London which is part of the Maudsley and Bethlem Hospital Trust.
Why has my diagnosis changed?
People do not always fit neatly into the categories laid out in diagnostic manuals and many will have been given a different diagnosis from time to time. Reasons for this might be because:
- their symptoms have tended to change over time
- they may have more than one condition at the same time
- their underlying condition is 'masked' by the use of street drugs or alcohol
- distinguishing between psychotic disorders is not always an exact science and symptoms commonly overlap between conditions
