CS09.03 - Participation of users of psychiatric services in the classification of mental disorders

Abstract

This presentation will focus on two things. First, the process of receiving a psychiatric diagnosis and the reactions that users of psychiatric services might have to this. These reactions vary – they are not homogenous. They include relief, rejection and denial. The presentations will also look at what happens when users receive more than one diagnosis, either concurrently or over time. Secondly, the presentation will consider how users and user organisations may contribute to changes in the system of classification of diagnosis itself. Communication between psychiatrists involved in changing classification systems and organisations of service users will be considered. Recommendations will then be made.