When someone is experiencing distressing emotions, behaviors, or thoughts, they may want to get a diagnosis for several reasons. People may want to learn more about themselves, find others who are experiencing similar symptoms to get support, and receive appropriate treatment that is targeted to their condition. 

In order to define these distressing symptoms, mental health professionals use a system of classification that can be found in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). The goal of classifying mental distress by a mental health professional is to help find appropriate therapy so that the person who is suffering can find relief. These classifications are also used by insurance companies, pharmaceutical regulators, and others to drive research and policy. 

Mental health professionals use a variety of methods to make a diagnosis based on the DSM, such as interviewing the patient, finding out about the patient’s family history, administering questionnaires to the patient, doing medical tests, and using their own clinical judgment. 

Receiving a diagnosis can be an emotional moment for a patient. Patients may feel a mix of relief at finding answers, overwhelmed by the implications of the diagnosis, or simply curious. It is important to remember that a diagnosis doesn’t define a person. It is simply a tool that we have for explaining a group of symptoms, and hopefully this tool leads to better treatment. Mental health diagnoses are not necessarily permanent either, often people do not meet criteria for the diagnosis any longer after they have been treated. It can be hard to define what is mental illness and what is mental wellness, as people have a wide range of experiences that change over time and depend on external circumstances.

The most important part of receiving a mental health diagnosis is working with a professional who you trust and feel comfortable with. Your mental health professional should be able to guide you through this process to help you feel better and meet your goals.