What have you been told about your illness? Information about diagnosis among psychiatric inpatients

Abstract

We conclude that although many patients would like to know the truth, the rights of those who do not wish to know should also be respected. Therefore the diagnosis of mental disorder should not be routinely disclosed, but mental health professionals should take into consideration their patients' preferences and act appropriately to their choice. (Int J Psych Clin Pract 2002; 6: 103-106).

Communication of a mental health diagnosis: a systematic synthesis and narrative review

“…Rates of service-users receiving or having knowledge of their diagnosis were collected in nine (L-IV) studies (Cleary et al, 2010a;Ganesan et al, 2011;Luderer & Bocker, 1993;Magliano et al, 2008;Marzanski et al, 2002;Seedat et al, 2002;Shergill et al, 1998;Thornicroft et al, 2009;Trump & Hugo, 2006). Studies conducted prior to the past decade reported low rates of diagnostic discussion for both schizophrenia diagnoses and general MHD (30%-65%).…”

“…Across studies, the majority of service-users (62%-88%) wanted diagnostic information (Cleary et al, 2010a;Jha et al, 2001;Magliano et al, 2008;Marzanski et al, 2002;Shergill et al, 1998) and indicated that they felt they had a right to access diagnostic information (Clafferty et al, 2001;Cleary et al, 2010a;Luderer & Bocker 1993;Magliano et al, 2008;Shergill et al, 1998). Six studies recommended that services should account for service-user preferences and needs when discussing MHD (Clafferty et al, 2001;Cleary et al, 2010a;Luderer & Bocker, 1993;Magliano et al, 2008;Marzanski et al, 2002;Shergill et al, 1998).…”

“…Preference for information varied across psychiatric settings. Hospital-based serviceusers did not want diagnostic information in 28% of cases when in an acute ward setting (Marzanski et al, 2002) and 10-12% in general in-patient settings (Cleary et al, 2010a;Shergill et al, 1998). Only 0-5% did not desire information when accessing community-based support (Magliano et al, 2008;Shergill et al, 1998).…”

“…Six studies recommended that services should account for service-user preferences and needs when discussing MHD (Clafferty et al, 2001;Cleary et al, 2010a;Luderer & Bocker, 1993;Magliano et al, 2008;Marzanski et al, 2002;Shergill et al, 1998). Preference for information varied across psychiatric settings.…”

Informed Consent, Confidentiality, and Diagnosing: Ethical Guidelines for Counselor Practice

“…Thus, DSM diagnoses give clients opportunities to attain needed services, which is particularly important given the high costs of treatment. From a psychological perspective, another potential strength is that some clients find relief and validation in having a label to describe their difficult experiences (Goodwin, 2009;Marzanski, Jainer, & Avery, 2002;Mitchell, 2007). Moreover, diagnosis can be used to guide counselor interventions and treatment plans.…”