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Diagnostic slippage: Medical uncertainty and engaged patienthood in the case of atypical disorders

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  • Duran, Eduardo

Abstract

This study explores how patients affected by depersonalization/derealization disorder confront clinical uncertainty by investing in their own diagnosis and prognosis. While depersonalization/derealization has been a legitimate medical category within psychiatric nomenclature for decades, those affected by this condition have traditionally embarked on a diagnostic odyssey. As a rare disorder, clinicians have repeatedly misdiagnosed depersonalization/derealization as a byproduct of illnesses such as anxiety disorder, depression, or schizophrenia. Drawing from in-depth interviews, as well the analysis of videos and online posts, I explore the trajectory through which patients affected by depersonalization/derealization, dissatisfied with traditional diagnostic routes, have transformed the process of diagnostic revelation from a clinical prerogative to a lay accomplishment. This study indicates that a multifaceted process, consisting of a dialectical relation between the material reality of information democratization and a heightening cultural orientation towards engaged patienthood, may shorten diagnostic odysseys for people affected by atypical disorders and undermine physicians’ authority to diagnose.

Suggested Citation

  • Duran, Eduardo, 2021. "Diagnostic slippage: Medical uncertainty and engaged patienthood in the case of atypical disorders," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 280(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:280:y:2021:i:c:s0277953621003865
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114054
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Lupton, Deborah, 1997. "Consumerism, reflexivity and the medical encounter," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 45(3), pages 373-381, August.
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