This editorial emphasizes the descriptive character of two of the most widely employed psychiatric diagnostic systems currently in use: DSM-IV and ICD-10. While they cannot be deemed atheoretical, they strive for neutrality and propose a nomenclature devoid of derogatory connotations. It is contended that the lowered "labeling threshold" of these systems tends to identify conditions that, while abnormal in the sense of producing personal discomfort or dysfunction, could not always be considered diseases requiring intervention from healthcare systems. This distinction is useful when evaluating studies which acritically apply screening instruments with a diagnostic purpose. These studies, while producing data, may not always be relevant for empirical studies of comorbidity or prevalence. (Rev Méd Chile 2000; 128: 705-7).