SOCIAL DIAGNOSIS IN MENTAL HEALTH AND ITS IMPORTANCE

1. SOCIAL DIAGNOSIS IN MENTAL
HEALTH AND ITS IMPORTANCE
YATHEESH BAHRADWAJ H S
MPHIL PSW SCHOLAR
DIMHANS

2. INTRODUCTION
• A Diagnosis is a formal Identification or determination of a
condition, problem, or disease based on a set of symptoms, signs,
and tests.
• In psychiatry, a diagnosis is made by a mental health professional.

3. Social diagnosis…..!???
• Social Diagnosis is an attempt to arrive at an exact definition as
possible of the social situation and personality of a given client.
• It is a search for the causes of the problem that brings the client to the
worker for help.
• Diagnosis is –
i. An explanation formulated in the light of the known fact
ii. An explanation made in the knowledge of the other possible
explanation
iii. Subject to change/revise whenever subsequent material warrants a
different explanation.

4. • Understanding both psychological and personality factors that bear a
causal relationship to the client’s difficulty and the social/
environmental factors that tend to sustain it.
Nature of the problem nature of the person
Nature of the purpose of agency

5. Process of making diagnosis
Gathering information
Diagnostic study
Diagnostic product

6. Types of diagnosis
• Perlman has described 3 types of Diagnosis
1. Dynamic Diagnosis  Fluid Nature of Problem
2. Clinical Diagnosis  ICD/DSM
3. Etiological Diagnosis  Causes

7. IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL DIAGNOSIS
• Understanding Social Determinants: Social diagnosis helps
professionals to identify and understand the social determinants of
mental health. These determinants include factors such as
socioeconomic status, education, employment, housing, and access
to healthcare. Recognizing these influences is vital for creating
effective interventions and support systems.
• Holistic Assessment: Mental health is not solely determined by
individual factors but is deeply interconnected with social, cultural,
and environmental elements. Social diagnosis allows for a more
holistic assessment, considering the complex interplay between an
individual and their social context.

8. Identifying Stressors and Triggers:
Social diagnosis helps in identifying stressors and triggers present in an individual's
social environment. Understanding these factors is essential for developing
strategies to manage or mitigate their impact on mental health.
Cultural Sensitivity:
Cultural factors significantly influence mental health. Social diagnosis helps mental
health professionals consider the cultural context of an individual's life, including
values, beliefs, and practices. This cultural sensitivity is crucial for providing
appropriate and effective care.
Prevention and Early Intervention:
By examining social factors, mental health professionals can identify potential risk
factors early on. This allows for the implementation of preventive measures and
early interventions to address issues before they escalate into more serious mental
health problems.

9. • Social Support Systems: Social diagnosis helps in recognizing the availability and
quality of an individual's social support systems, such as family, friends, and
community networks. Strong social support is often a protective factor against
mental health issues and can contribute to resilience.
• Tailored Treatment Plans: Social diagnosis enables the development of
personalized and tailored treatment plans. Understanding an individual's social
context helps mental health professionals create interventions that are relevant
and effective for the specific challenges and circumstances the person is facing.
• Advocacy and Policy Development: Identifying social factors contributing to
mental health issues can inform advocacy efforts and policy development. This
knowledge is essential for addressing systemic issues and promoting social
changes that positively impact mental health at a broader level.
• Reducing Stigma: Social diagnosis contributes to destigmatizing mental health by
emphasizing the role of external factors in mental well-being. It helps shift the
focus from blaming individuals to understanding the broader societal and
environmental influences.

10. REFERENCES
Brown, P., Lyson, M., & Jenkins, T. (2011). From diagnosis to social diagnosis.
Social Science & Medicine, 73(6), 939–943.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.05.031
Richmond, Mary. (1917) Social Diagnosis. New York: Russell Sage
Foundation.
Meyer, Henry J. "Professionalization and Social Work Today," in Edwin
Thomas (ed.), Behavioral Science for Social Workers . New York: The Free
Press, 1967, pp. 389-400.
Perlmann, Helen H. (1957) "Freud's Contribution to Social Welfare," Social
Service Review, Vol. 31, pp. 192-202.
Reynolds, Bertha, (1939) Re-Thinking Social Case Work. NewYork: Social
Work Today, Inc.