Label with caution
The Problem with Diagnostic Labels
Whilst I don’t use diagnostic labels to identify a client (e.g. I don’t believe you can be a depressive, just that you might be able to ‘do’ depression). I appreciate that some people do value them. Some people use them to explain to others what they are experiencing, others use a diagnosis to identify with a group of fellow sufferers. A label can be used universally across Medical Professionals to help communicate a generalised concept of a problem. However, often the mind interprets labels and diagnoses as fact and immovable. As a therapist, therefore, I often look at whether a diagnosis is helping a client move forward and if it isn’t, reframe it so they can. If you are interested in this concept you might enjoy Bruce Liptom’s video link on my resources page.
I have included some links for quick and free diagnoses questionnaires. This is because some people feel they are necessary. However within my practice I tend not to use them as clients may either feel there is nowhere to go if they do not fit a specific label or feel hemmed in by the labels the questionnaires give them. However if you are able to take them without living your life by them they may prove useful to track progress before and after therapy. But please be mindful that the diagnoses is moveable and only indicative of how you might be feeling or behaving at the moment you take them.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Quiz
You may be given a diagnoses of OCD if you suffer from unwanted thoughts, compulsions, urges or desires that can often seem persistent. You may partake in repeated behavior patterns that seem irrational:
General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) & Depression Test
GAD is generalised anxiety and covers a broad spectrum of symptoms and causes, some may be specific to you. If you have experienced feeling fearful or anxious for some time but have no obvious cause it is likely that this could represent the type of anxiety you are experiencing.
If you feel that you are unable to focus, feel tired all the time but may also find it hard to sleep. If you find it difficult to be motivated, feel despondent, experience feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, find it hard to maintain happiness and feel sad often, you may be experiencing depression. Though this questionnaire can help you to determine how you are feeling at the current time, depression can fluctuate and go as quickly as it came, hypnotherapy can help people make the transition from depression to a happier and more confident state.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Questionnaire
This often occurs after a traumatic event and can lead to people feeling like they are reliving the event, often time and time again. Flashbacks and nightmares are not uncommon.