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Abstract

The assumption or assertion that our distress is best understood merely as a symptom of diagnosable ‘illnesses’ is only one perspective. Instead, more appropriate systems for describing and defining people’s emotional problems are available. Traditional psychiatric diagnoses are arbitrary and invalid and do not map onto biological processes or describe real illnesses. They are also circular concepts, attempting to explain our behaviour, emotions and thoughts merely by labelling them as pathological. This reinforces a reductionist biological view of mental health and wellbeing and encourages negative attitudes, discrimination and the use of inappropriate medical treatments. Scientific and humane alternatives are needed, both for individual care planning and in the design and commissioning of services.