A correct diagnosis will help if it leads to adequate treatment. Sadly, not all diagnosis are correct, and not all treatments are equally effective for a given

A correct diagnosis will help if it leads to adequate treatment. Sadly, not all diagnosis are correct, and not all treatments are equally effective for a given patient. I agree with your assessment that unhelpful group behaviors are fueled by a failure by the health community in addressing these issues. I would also add that we're facing a societal failure which may lead perfectly healthy individuals to "treat" their pains by exaggerating their idiosyncrasies in order to be accepted in a group that they feel is more protected and understood. And the sad part is that this perception that they will be automatically protected and understood by a diagnosis is largely false, and you're right: a diagnosis can make many things worse. I would trade all "protection and understanding" I got from my diagnosis for the ability to wake up every day and be able to function without pumping meds into my brain.