Psychiatric Diagnostic Concepts in Practices: Practical Reasoning Methods for Diagnosis

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to identify the work of psychiatrists that allows multiple psychiatric diagnostic concepts to be made in discussion without contradiction. Whereas sociological research has seen diagnosis as definitive, psychiatry has seen it as an activity with a temporal and spatial dimension. In light of this difference, this study analysed case conference settings in which diagnosis, which is at the core of the activity of diagnosis, was discussed. It was found that the introduction of a temporal and spatial perspective in cases where different diagnosic concepts of a patient’s symptoms and treatment approach are presented allows multiple diagnosic concepts to coexist without contradiction. It was concluded that the sociological clarification of activities that are commonplace for psychiatrists can advance the debate on diagnosis.