key term - Misdiagnosis

Definition

Misdiagnosis refers to the incorrect identification or categorization of a medical condition, in this case specifically within dissociative disorders. It occurs when a healthcare professional makes an error in diagnosing a patient's condition.

Related terms

Overdiagnosis: Overdiagnosis happens when a person is diagnosed with a disorder that they do not actually have.

Underdiagnosis: Underdiagnosis occurs when someone has a disorder but it goes unnoticed or undiagnosed.

Diagnostic criteria: Diagnostic criteria are specific guidelines and symptoms that professionals use to determine if someone has a particular disorder.