Introduction
The art of diagnosis is complicated, and unintentional misdiagnosis can wreak havoc on the lives of the client, as well as the clinician. This leads one to ponder the circumstances and consequences of a deliberate misdiagnosis by a trained clinician who has taken an oath to operate with utmost integrity. In the article, Deliberate Misdiagnosis, the author spoke about situations where a clinician might feel pressured to deliberately under or over diagnosis a client. Several situations were discussed and reasons for these decisions included: avoidance of stigmatization for the client, monetary concerns, client concerns and third party requirements. This decision can have major ethical and practical implications for the client …show more content…
Implications for the client include an overall lack of knowledge of their true diagnosis and the steps that can be taken to address their disorder. If the client is unaware of their diagnosis, it is impossible for the client to learn about their disorder’s symptoms, treatment, and prognosis. The client may continue to experience symptoms and also feel confused regarding the inconsistency in information provided to them by the clinician. Moreover, there could be serious future implications for the client who has not received the best treatment needed for their particular diagnosis, to include harm to the client or another …show more content…
Operating and reviewing the NASW Code of Ethics is also essential to ensure one is not blurring the lines between ethical and unethical. It is common to want to assist the client, but misdiagnosing a client can do more harm than good to the client and the clinician. Moreover, a client’s needs can only be appropriately treated if the client and clinician acknowledge the disorder and discuss the symptoms and care available. Although there maybe stigmatization associated with a particular disorder, the clinician can proactively support the client through the process, versus pretending as if the illness does not exist; avoidance will only exacerbate the situation and make it difficult for the client to progress in the future. A social worker has the ability to help clients overcome obstacles, learn more about themselves and change the trajectory of their lives. There are rewards and difficulties in social work, but it important that one operate from what is best for the client, versus what is best for the social worker or what makes the social worker feel better about him or herself. Diagnosing is like an art that requires times, patience, understanding and commitment and to sharpen one’s skill one must be honest, open and willing to
The art of diagnosis is complicated, and unintentional misdiagnosis can wreak havoc on the lives of the client, as well as the clinician. This leads one to ponder the circumstances and consequences of a deliberate misdiagnosis by a trained clinician who has taken an oath to operate with utmost integrity. In the article, Deliberate Misdiagnosis, the author spoke about situations where a clinician might feel pressured to deliberately under or over diagnosis a client. Several situations were discussed and reasons for these decisions included: avoidance of stigmatization for the client, monetary concerns, client concerns and third party requirements. This decision can have major ethical and practical implications for the client …show more content…
Implications for the client include an overall lack of knowledge of their true diagnosis and the steps that can be taken to address their disorder. If the client is unaware of their diagnosis, it is impossible for the client to learn about their disorder’s symptoms, treatment, and prognosis. The client may continue to experience symptoms and also feel confused regarding the inconsistency in information provided to them by the clinician. Moreover, there could be serious future implications for the client who has not received the best treatment needed for their particular diagnosis, to include harm to the client or another …show more content…
Operating and reviewing the NASW Code of Ethics is also essential to ensure one is not blurring the lines between ethical and unethical. It is common to want to assist the client, but misdiagnosing a client can do more harm than good to the client and the clinician. Moreover, a client’s needs can only be appropriately treated if the client and clinician acknowledge the disorder and discuss the symptoms and care available. Although there maybe stigmatization associated with a particular disorder, the clinician can proactively support the client through the process, versus pretending as if the illness does not exist; avoidance will only exacerbate the situation and make it difficult for the client to progress in the future. A social worker has the ability to help clients overcome obstacles, learn more about themselves and change the trajectory of their lives. There are rewards and difficulties in social work, but it important that one operate from what is best for the client, versus what is best for the social worker or what makes the social worker feel better about him or herself. Diagnosing is like an art that requires times, patience, understanding and commitment and to sharpen one’s skill one must be honest, open and willing to