Impact of a diagnosis of psychosis: user-led qualitative study

The research found that the impact of diagnosis can involve both positive and negative elements and has implications for how diagnosis is imparted by psychiatrists if they are to help to facilitate recovery and social inclusion.

Abstract

Aims and Method To explore the impact of diagnosis on people who experience psychosis. Eight participants were interviewed about the impact that diagnosis had on them. Results The research found that the impact of diagnosis can involve both positive and negative elements. It can be a ‘means of access’ as well as a ‘cause of disempowerment’. It can help by ‘naming the problem’ and hinder by ‘labelling the person’. It is a ‘cause of social exclusion’ for all, but despite this service users can be successful in ‘achieving social inclusion’. Clinical Implications The findings have implications for how diagnosis is imparted by psychiatrists if they are to help to facilitate recovery and social inclusion.