This is very interesting. It is worth noting that in common parlance terms like O.C.D. and P.T.S.D. have gained a certain popular understanding. Although limited it may show a greater familiarity and dialogue about mental states. The fact that electorates are aware of overt narcissism amongst political leaders is not entirely negative! A diagnosis of autistic tendencies might also entitle a youth to better educational resources, support etc. Nonethless, I agree with the direction of your posting.
It is not uncommon today to meet a person in a psychoanalytic context who desires a diagnosis. And indeed, some people spend a lot of time and earn large sums of money by providing subjects with the signifiers of diagnoses. One can say that “Diagnosis” is a name of an industry and, wherever there is an industry, there are desiring subjects willing to pay.
However, I believe that those who call themselves psychoanalysts should take the desire for diagnosis with a grain of salt and always remain prudent when asked for one. Basically, the question of diagnosis in psychoanalysis has not to do with the subject’s identifications with a particular signifier but with the direction of the treatment. In other words, in terms of diagnosis, psychoanalysts must always ask themselves how does a diagnostic criteria assist in the direction of the treatment, rather than just providing the subject with a…
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penwithlit 