In the Shadow of Diagnosis

What happens when a diagnosis becomes more than a medical label—when it reshapes identity, family life, and social standing? In the Shadow of Diagnosis by Regina Kunzel invites readers into a thoughtful, humane exploration of how diagnoses reverberate through personal lives and public institutions.

Combining clear-eyed scholarship with vivid storytelling, Kunzel examines the intersections of medicine, culture, and power. This book unpacks the social history of diagnostic categories, the stigma they can carry, and the ways individuals and communities resist, adapt, or are constrained by those labels. Accessible yet rigorous, the narrative connects historic context to contemporary debates about mental health, disability, and social policy.

Ideal for students, clinicians, advocates, and curious readers, In the Shadow of Diagnosis offers fresh perspectives on diagnosis as both a clinical tool and a cultural force. You’ll gain sharper insight into how language, institutions, and lived experience shape outcomes—and practical empathy for the people behind the labels.

Whether you’re researching mental health history, teaching a course, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of diagnosis and stigma, this book is a vital resource. Available to readers across the United States, Canada, the UK, Europe, and beyond—add Regina Kunzel’s compelling study to your collection and join the conversation about how we name, treat, and live with diagnosis. Order your copy today and start a more informed, compassionate dialogue.

Note: eBooks do not include supplementary materials such as CDs, access codes, etc.