Diagnoses: More Harm Than Good? With Dr. Stu Law pt. 1

Diagnosing mental health has dramatically shaped how we think about and appraoch our thinking and treatment of mental health conditions. In some ways, this effect has had a profoundly helpful impact for many people. However, in many ways, this system has had a profoundly adverse impact. This episode kicks of a three-part series arguing that diagnoses for mental health have ultimately caused more harm than good. Dr. Stu Law is a special guest helping us understand what we gain and lose in the current system of diagnostic criteria used for taxonomizing mental health. RecommendationsAbraham: Within by Protest the Hero (https://protestthehero.bandcamp.com/album/within)Shane: Akai MPK Mini MK3 MIDI Board (https://www.akaipro.com/mpk-mini-mk3/)Stu: Learning Process Based Therapy, The Anatomy of an Epidemic, Beyond the DSM, The Emperor’s New DrugsHolidays (8/26/2026):Congressional Startup DayMake Your Own Luck DayMusical Yoga DayNational Cherry Popsicle DayNational Dog DayNational Toilet Paper DayTug of War DayWilling to Lend a Hand WednesdayWomen’s Equality DayBe Kind to Humankind WeekBrake Safety WeekNational Safe at Home WeekWorld Water WeekReferences:Barlow, D. H., & Nock, M. K. (2009). Why can’t we be more idiographic in our research? Perspectives on Psychological Science, 4(1), 19–21.Beck, A. T., & Alford, B. A. (2009). Depression: Causes and treatment. 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