Stigma, labelling and psychiatric misdiagnosis: origins and outcomes

The sources and consequences of inaccurate psychiatric diagnosis are discussed. The philosophy of the DSM diagnosis system is described, and the hazards of the practice of labelling together with its resulting social stigma are explored. The dangers and complications of psychiatric misdiagnosis are illustrated with a case example. Recommendations are made for extreme caution to be exercised in the making of psychiatric diagnoses and the need to revise misdiagnoses is strongly emphasized.