Discussion Post: Introduction Video
Even without professional experience, you may have heard diagnostic labels used-properly or improperly-and experienced the power that they have. People often use diagnostic words inappropriately in casual conversation or in public settings without considering the impact. In these instances, diagnostic labels such as depression can represent anything from normal sadness to severe debilitation. Others, such as sociopathic, have criminal associations.
In the digital age, untrained individuals can easily find diagnostic definitions and research symptom combinations for themselves and others. Many go further and actually diagnose their own or others' conditions without understanding the difference between that comparison and a professional process. In one of this week's readings, Pillay (2010) powerfully discusses the dangers of "checklist self-diagnosis" and the growing confusion over what is and is not a diagnosis.
In this Discussion, you consider your own perceptions about diagnosis.
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To prepare: Read the Pillay (2010) blog post and the Paris (2015) chapter.
For this graded Discussion, record a 3 to 5 minutes video in which you share your background and your progress in social work training. Also relate your professional or personal experience with DSM-5 diagnosis. In your video, include responses to the following:
1) Introduce yourself and say where you live.
2) Describe your progress in your social work training.
3) Describe what exposure you have had to the DSM-5 or to mental health diagnosis.
4) Explain the advantages of receiving an accurate diagnosis.
5) Describe the problems that arise when individuals casually self-diagnose or diagnose those around them.
The response must include a reference list. One-inch margins, double-space, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.