How reification of DSM labels influences our identity

Abstract

The increase in DSM labelling raises the relevance of investigating how DSM labelling affects people. This paper argues that people's tendency to interpret DSM labels as things that exist, influences the way they see themselves and others. In order to explain and validate this interpretation, this paper makes a distinction between "natural" and "artificial" categories, and argues that DSM categories are highly artificial. However, people tend to interpret DSM categories as being natural categories, which can be seen as "reification"; making a thing. People's tendency to reify DSM labels, causes them to think that the labels provide accurate and definitive statements about diagnosed individuals. This paper argues that this interpretation is incorrect, and people should therefore identify themselves and others in their own terms.