Research in the US has found that putting a label on a mental or health problem may actually benefit patients, and while research in this area is still limited, experts say it could be helpful
Experts believe that the “Rumpelstiltskin effect” is an odd but useful way to bring pain relief to patients, even if it means they end up getting no treatment.
Psychiatrists in the US say that putting a label on a problem can make it easier for patients to deal with, something known as the “Rumpelstiltskin effect.” The term comes from the fairy tale character who loses his powers once everyone knows his secret name.
In the same way, putting a label on a health or mental problem may be able to help patients process their diagnosis, and even bring relief.
The researchers, from James Madison University and Case Western Reserve University, believe that this is a “neglected” medical phenomenon that needs to be investigated more.
While research in this area is still limited, previous studies suggest that putting a name on a condition can bring real benefits to patients. For instance, 2021 review led by researchers at Bond University in Australia found that giving patients a clinical label often brought relief. It also made them feel empowered, and validated.
On top of that, it reduced feelings of self-blame, and in some circumstances, even improved pain management.
Another study found that patients with unexplained symptoms improved when their GP gave them a clear diagnosis and a positive outlook, compared to those who were left without answers, the Daily Mail reported. While some experts believe that labels can become stigmatising, others say that is reduces uncertainty.
Writing in the journal BJ Psych Bulletin, the researchers said: “A clinical diagnosis invites patients to see their experiences through a medical lens.
“This diagnosis functions not only as a medical label but also as a social tool for making previously unarticulated suffering comprehensible.
“Additionally, diagnoses provide patients with a shared language that facilitates communication with healthcare providers and connects them to supportive communities of individuals facing similar challenges.”
They also said that in most cases, a diagnosis can offer “hope and reassurance” but it also has the chance to “threaten and devalue a person’s self-identity.” leading to potential stigma and social isolation.
It comes as a survey of 2,000 adults found that, on average, Brits will attempt to diagnose themselves with a staggering 1,202 illnesses and ailments over the course of their lifetime using online resources.
This behaviour occurs around twice a month, although younger adults, are more likely to do so, self-diagnosing around three times a month.
Research conducted by Bluecrest found that the majority of adults rely on search engines for health insights, while 15% turn to medical websites and AI platforms. As a result, more than half have self-diagnosed themselves with an illness, although a significant proportion of these diagnoses have proven to be wrong.
In many cases, adults only figure out their self-diagnosis is wrong when they receive test results (38%), consult with a healthcare professional (38%), or visit a hospital (34%). Dr Martin Thornton, chief medical officer at Bluecrest, warns against relying solely on online sources for health information, stressing the importance of seeking expert advice.
He notes: “We rely on online sources for so much of our information these days. But when it comes to our health, we shouldn’t solely accept what we read online, particularly when the source isn’t backed up by reliable, expert-led research.
“Although it’s useful to find out what symptoms might mean and get a quick answer, the outcomes can cause more worry than its worth.”
#Experts #Rumpelstiltskin #effect #drugfree #pain
