Question

In two complete paragraphs (5-8 sentences each), explain why doctors may not be comfortable labeling children as having a personality disorder? What are the negative implications of diagnosing children with personality disorders? What are the positive effects of early diagnosis?

Address the following topics within your response:

1. Medication-could this be a benefit or a drawback to the child. What about potential side effects? (5 points)
2. Labeling-could a young child just be going through a phase, how could a label such as schizophrenia negatively impact a child? (5 Points)
3. Educational/Career opportunities-Could early diagnosis gives an opportunity for more educational opportunities, and a better chance at having a fulfilling future
4. Family benefits-understanding that a child has a personality disorder and is not trying to be challenging may also impact the family dynamic as well. How could early diagnosis benefit the family or harm the family?
5. Society benefits-could early diagnosis prevent future crime when the child is an adult

Answer 1

Doctors may not be comfortable labelling children as having a personality disorder because in their opinion adolescence is a period of transition that can be marked by turmoil, and that this should not be called a personality disorder. Some clinicians also fear that labelling the teenager could be prejudicial.

Negative implications of diagnosing children with personality disorders are-

• There is no consensus in the medical community about what behaviours constitute a particular "disorder."
• Developmental delays are often "medicalized" and framed as psychiatric disorders.
• Psychiatric diagnoses have been expanded to include normal childhood behaviours because adult behaviour standards are being imposed on children

Some Positive implications are-

• Diagnostic labels are helpful though when they lead to more empathetic understanding and more effective responses.
• Labeling a child ADHD, for instance, may give you more patience with his high energy. It also can enable you to give him a medication that may be life-changing.