Is the recognition of personality and neurotic disorders a good or bad thing?

Question

I understand that its beneficial for people who need medication. The reason I ask is that my Mum reads a lot of psychology books and has a very good understanding of various psychomatic ailments, but I think because she knows so much about such illnesses and disorders she has tried to "label" me and my siblings in a sort of "psychological hyprochondriac" kind of way. I was diagnosed with depression and as having Aspergers syndrome when I was 10 and I think the Seroxat I was on for ten years may have caused further problems. Also, my brother is 9 and she has successfully had him diagnosed for Aspergers Syndrome and Attention Deficity Hyperactivity Disorder - as far as I'm concerned has is a perfectly normal 9 year old. I'm just worried that my brother will grow up into the personality that she's labelled him as like I did.
I am being ungrateful for my Mum's help or do you think ignorance can be bliss with these sort of things?

Answer 1

The problem you're describing is not with recognition of disorders, but their misdiagnosis.

That is, it's a very good thing to be able to recognize disorders. Seeing them where they don't exist, not so good, in fact, as you suggest, it can be harmful.

It's not that ignorance is bliss, it's that a little knowledge can be dangerous -- that is, when it isn't really knowledge, but is information being misapplied.

Wish I had some advice for you, but I really don't know what to say.

I'm surprised that the people she took your brother to, who agreed with her "diagnosis" did so. I hope they know what they're doing.

Answer 2

There are 2 sides to labelling someone:
The bad side is that the label may not be accurate and labels should be seen as secondary as people may be prescibing medication where it is not needed. In the other hand a label can be very useful when given correctly as it allows the individual to get the help they need.
I have a brother and 2 cousins with Aspergers, however this was not recognised by anyone in my family, and after many years of not understanding their behaviour it was useful to know to get the correct support, but remember your individual personality comes first, the label should always be secondary. Its also likely that people may not be able to differentiate whethetr the behaviour is typical for the age, individual so I would advise your mum not take it all on her self, and make sure it is properly diagnosed as a wrong diagnosis will not help in future.

Just like to add that people with aspergers aren't that easy to diagnose, as there are so many different ways it can affect an individual: Please don't believe that all those with aspergers are 'socially retarded' and of 'high intelligence' as truth is most have average intelligence with a variety of difficulties.

Answer 3

Labeling can definitely be harmful especially when it's coming from a mother, someone who has a lot of influence in your life and who is there every day. Unfortunately if your mother expects your brother to act a certain way or be a certain way, he just might turn out that way. I agree with whoever said that ADHD is just not tolerating hyperactivity. There are better ways to deal with it than drugs. I find it odd that he's been diagnosed BOTH Aspergers' AND ADHD??? Since Aspergers' is a mild form of autism I didn't realize it could have a double diagnosis with ADHD. ??? get a 2nd opinion

Answer 4

And your Mum became a Dr when? Reading and understanding the material of textbooks does not an expert make. Presumably you and your Brother were diagnosed by experts and not your Mother. If this is so then I should not worry if not then your Mum is likely to have the problem. Seroxat causes no long term side effects either.

Answer 5

Your mother has Munchhausen's syndrome. She convinces doctors that there is something wrong with her children then gets all of this attention for having messed up children.
You should call the authorities on her. You do not have Aspergers--I can tell just by how you write. However, you may actually be depressed at this point.
No, I don't think ignorance is bliss--I think everyone should know that your mother is the one with the illness.
And if one really did have these illnesses, I think one should know in order to understand why one is different than others (Aspergers) or why you're sad (depression).

Answer 6

I am hoping that you went through tests to be on the meds not just your mom's say so. You are witnessing a generation that does not want to put up with hyperactivity even though they themselves were hyper and left to run off excess energy...Nice huh? Some disorders are inherited, look on webmd and try typing in heredity Aspergers Syndrome...I think you are wise for your explaination not ungrateful because in the future you have to deal with Asperger's disease. Peace

Answer 7

I think labelling someone can be a self fulfilling prophecy and there does seem to be a tendency nowadays to label children who may simply not be receiving the right parenting or teaching as hyperactive or with learning difficulties. Children need consistent guidelines so they know how to behave and positive reinforcement of good behaviour. Labelling them as having a problem may just encourage them to behave in a certain way rather than trying to help themselves to improve.

Answer 8

Your mother is not wualified to diagnose you, tell her if she's so good at diagnosing, how come she's not working as a doctor?(without being rude to her)
I read alot of psychology & self-help books but it doesn't give me the right to diagnose anyone. That's up to the profesionals, even some professionals are not properly trained.
tell your brother he's perfectly fine as he is as this could lead to him having complexes later on.
has she ever read books on metaphysics or spirituality?
tell her to read some books by Louise L Hay, Wayne Dyer, Doreen Virtue, Betty Shine to open her mind abit more.

Answer 9

i think it's wrong of her to label you and your siblings, however you don't have to turn out the way that she said you would. everyone controls their own life. in a way i'm sure she just reads those books because there isn't a lot of information out their for parents, on the other hand, she is taking what she learns way too far.

Answer 10

i think we may have a case of Munchhausen by proxy here and this is not good, i would check out by an independent doctor and find out if you have this problem and/or your brother she may need help check out julie gregory's site this is an extreme case but if you go to the forum you may understand how serious it is if your mum has it