Beyond the diagnosis: reflections on identity and psychiatric taxonomy

The purpose of this brief essay is to shed light on some aspects underlying the classification of mental disorders, as well as to highlight certain implications that are relevant to give a fair dimension to psychiatric diagnoses. To achieve this goal, the main interest lies in setting out some reflections on the concept of mental illness and the difficulties inherent in its definition, highlighting the reason behind its importance. Additionally, observations are outlined concerning the current system for classifying mental disorders and the convergence of heterogeneous conditions within this framework. Gaining a deeper understanding of the concept of mental illness, as well as the methods used to formulate and define diagnostic categories, will allow for reflection on the effects of receiving a psychiatric diagnosis. This, in turn, helps explain how mental health issues can be addressed from a perspective that acknowledges why, in some cases, diagnoses apply to specific moments in life without defining a person’s identity once and for all.