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The Complexity in Mental Illness Diagnosis
  • January 13, 2025
  • Comments: 195
  • Posted by: cbtkeadmin

During the festive season, my nephew, a Gen Z, with his characteristic curiosity, revisited a conversation we had in December 2023. Back then, he had confidently approached me, asking for an assessment of a mental condition he believed he had. At the time, I gently declined, offering no clear explanation. But this year, he was more determined. “We are together again.” he reminded me with a mix of insistence and optimism. Reluctantly, I agreed to listen to his story, though I remained hesitant.

With great enthusiasm, he described the symptoms he believed fit the diagnosis he had in mind. His anticipation for a quick confirmation was almost tangible. I chuckled softly and told him, “It doesn’t work like that.”
His excitement faded into confusion and mild frustration. “But why?” he asked.

I explained that diagnosing mental illnesses is not as simple as matching symptoms to a label. It involves a detailed process that includes understanding one’s developmental history, attachment styles, and the onset and duration of symptoms. It also requires assessing how these symptoms and repetitive patterns of perceptions, emotions, and behaviors in various settings like home, school, or work affect the individuals and the communities they interact with daily.

More importantly, I highlighted the ethical boundary; I could not assess or treat a relative. “It’s not that I don’t care,” I assured him, “but my opinion would be biased. You need to consult a certified therapist, someone objective, trained, and equipped to guide you effectively.” He nodded slowly, realizing the importance of professional integrity.

Our conversation served as a reminder of the challenges mental health professionals face in an era of self-diagnosis and information overload. While the rise in self-awareness is commendable, self-diagnosis without professional input can be harmful. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate self-medication or resistance to a professional’s differing opinion.

Self-diagnosis has merits; it encourages people to seek help and collaborate in their care. However, diagnosing mental illnesses demands a systematic process. Just as physical health concerns require medical tests and consultations, mental health conditions need a team of professionals and patience for accurate diagnosis and treatment. As we concluded the conversation, I reflected on the importance of shedding light on mental health while maintaining ethical boundaries. Diagnosis can offer clarity but must stem from rigorous assessments, not trends or unverified information.

In today’s social engineering and social media age, it’s crucial to approach information critically. Self-labelling based on superficial understanding can lead to unresolved issues and unnecessary anxiety. Before embracing a diagnosis, it is vital to seek professional advice and treat online content as a starting point, not a definitive answer. This festive reflection reminded me that conversations about mental health, whether with family, friends, or clients, are opportunities to educate, guide, and reaffirm the importance of professional care and the community’s involvement in well-being matters.

CBT Kenya, Counselling services in Kenya, Counselling services in Nairobi, The Complexity in Mental Illness Diagnosis, Therapy In Kenya
Author: cbtkeadmin

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