What's the purpose of being diagnosed?

[Rawiyah]

I know this is probably a stupid question, but I just want to know.

I was formally diagnosed with Psychotic Depression and PTSD a few months ago during IP treatment in hospital, then I was diagnosed again in IP treatment with BPD, GAD and PTSD.

My therapist who diagnosed me with BPD says she diagnosed me to put a name to my symtpoms, but my pdoc in IP says that he diagnosed me for insurance reasons.

So... what's the purpose of having a psychiatric diagnosis? Is it really all just for insurance reasons?

[FojeJC]

Well, I personally was curious to what was wrong with me, but still don't have an answer.

Overall, I guess it would have to be to know if you're a danger to others and yourself or to find the right medication and help you need to treat your disorder.

[Rawiyah]

Thank you for your response.

I guess it makes sense for those reasons. I was just sort of confused about being diagnosed since, if it's just for insurance reasons, would that mean that I really DON'T have BPD?

[FojeJC]

Well, if it was just for insurance reasons they would still have to suspect you of having BPD, or not... I don't know... My head hurts today.

[munchausen]

If a doctor gives you a diagnosis it's pretty final, even if they say it's for insurance purposes that's only part of the reason, it's more likely he meant that the diagnosis was done at that particular time for insurance purposes. In countries like the UK where there's a universal healthcare system that involves no insurance at all they still have to diagnose you. It's a way of letting you know what's wrong with you as well as letting other doctors know too. Obviously they have to know so they can decide what course of treatment to take.

Additionally, it's illegal to knowingly give a false diagnosis. So regardless of the initial reason for the diagnosis you really do have BPD.

[CrossingtheCourtyard]

It can help lead toward a better understanding of what mental illness you're ailing from and hopefully lead towards a more effective kind of treatment.