Why Self-diagnosing Mental Health Conditions Can Be Dangerous
The internet can be a powerful and helpful tool, but when it comes to using it for health information, it’s usually wise to proceed with caution. According to a Pew Research Center study, 1 in 3 Americans has searched their symptoms online to try to find a diagnosis for a medical issue. While knowing more information about a certain symptom may be useful in some cases, it also has the potential to be misleading or even harmful. Read on to learn why.
Can you determine if you have a mental health disorder from the internet?
It’s generally a good idea to pay attention to your mental and behavioral health and seek out resources if you feel you may have a disorder or otherwise need support with living a healthy life. However, mental illness is incredibly complex. Without the proper training and experience, it can be incredibly difficult to identify the right diagnosis and treatment for your situation. First, there are over 200 recognized forms of mental illness, including generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. You may have symptoms, such as those of anxiety, depression, etc., that can signify a variety of different conditions. Also, you may be experiencing some symptoms you aren’t even aware of. These are just two reasons why you shouldn’t self-diagnose mental illness instead of going to a health professional for an official diagnosis. So, while online mental health information may give you a better idea of concerns you can bring up with a licensed therapist or counselor, it’s usually best to stop there and let them use their training to provide a professional diagnosis if necessary.
Why diagnosing yourself can be harmful
Attempting to self-diagnose a mental health disorder can be harmful to you. You may overlook symptoms when you self-diagnose that may signal a different mental illness than the one you believe you have pinpointed. It’s also worth noting that significant amounts of misinformation on mental illness can be found on the internet, meaning you could end up making decisions that are unhealthy or even dangerous, based on information that isn’t true. Plus, because so many mental illnesses have similar and/or broad symptoms, you may cause yourself unnecessary stress by thinking you have one illness when you have another, or potentially no illness at all. On the other hand, you may convince yourself you are healthy and your symptoms are not indicative of a larger problem when you self-diagnose when in actuality you could be experiencing a very serious health condition.
Without a proper diagnosis, you may attempt self-treatment of your perceived mental health condition, potentially even using over-the-counter medications that are not intended to treat any kind of medical disease. For example, internet misinformation about the treatment of anxiety disorders has led some people to believe their anxiety symptoms can be relieved using drugs such as Advil and Tylenol, commonly used to treat muscle pain and other forms of inflammation. No scientific evidence exists to suggest these drugs can relieve anxiety symptoms. Such use demonstrates how when people use misinformation in self-diagnosing, bad health decisions can result. It is always better to seek a professional doctor’s diagnosis before taking medication or other actions related to your healthcare. Health professionals can give you a professional diagnosis, rather than a guess, and they can also outline a treatment plan for your future care.
How the internet can benefit your mental health
Diagnosing a mental health condition in yourself is typically not recommended, especially if you are using the information you found on the internet or social media to make that diagnosis. However, that doesn’t mean that the internet can’t be a useful tool in improving or supporting your mental health. Here are a few positive things you may be able to safely use it for:
- Gathering Information To Take To A Professional. If you’re facing a mental health concern and plan to see a trained professional about it, doing your own research beforehand generally isn’t harmful if it makes you feel better or more prepared. You can become familiar with symptoms or conditions that you can then ask your provider about.
- Learning Tips For Better Mental Health. Taking any kind of physical or mental health advice as medical advice from someone who is not a licensed professional is typically not recommended—which includes information you may find on the internet. However, you may benefit from learning mental health tips for optimal wellness in your daily life from reputable sources like the American Psychological Association (APA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), or the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
- Finding Support And Community. Again, receiving medical advice of any kind from someone on the internet who is not a licensed, verified professional is usually not advisable. However, you may be able to benefit from connecting with others who are experiencing similar mental health concerns. You can exchange information regarding experiences with medication to treat conditions, for instance, and being connected to such a community can remind you that you’re not alone in the challenges you’re facing.
Finally, there are ways to seek out the help of a licensed mental health professional over the Internet. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, for example, you can be matched with a licensed therapist whom you can meet with via phone, video call, and/or online chat from the comfort of your own home. Or, if you’re between the ages of 13–18, you can try an online therapy platform like TeenCounseling, which offers the same types of services, but for teenagers. Since research suggests that online therapy can offer similar benefits to in-person therapy when provided by a certified professional, virtual counseling is one way that people can receive reputable, helpful mental health care and information over the Internet.
Takeaway
Is it okay to self-diagnose ADHD?
The topic of self-diagnosis is a controversial one. Some mental health professionals strictly advise against it, while others feel it's harmless as long as the individual seeks treatment from a qualified source. Whether or not it is "okay" to self-diagnose is a matter of personal choice. There is an abundance of online resources for recognizing the signs and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that could potentially help. However, some of these sources are reputable, and some are not. While you may learn how to identify symptoms in yourself, only a mental healthcare professional can properly diagnose ADHD.
Why is self-diagnosis not valid?
Self-diagnosis is not as credible or reliable as a diagnosis from an experienced healthcare professional with the education and training necessary to diagnose certain disorders. Further, accurate mental health diagnoses may require collaboration by multiple professionals with different specialties, a factor that self-diagnosis may not accommodate.
Can I self-diagnose anxiety?
There are many self-diagnostic tools on the internet for anxiety that people rely on to determine if they have an anxiety disorder. However, these can be unreliable and yield inaccurate or misleading results. To appropriately diagnose anxiety disorders, it's best to consult a mental health professional.
What is it called when you self-diagnose yourself with everything?
There are a couple of conditions in which an individual feels the compulsive need to self-diagnose. First, Munchausen syndrome (sometimes known as factitious disorder) is a disorder in which a person feigns symptoms of a medical condition, often to garner attention from others. Hypochondria/hypochondriasis (illness anxiety disorder) is another mental health condition in which people self-diagnose compulsively. This is typically because they have constant and unrealistic fears about having or developing an illness.
The primary difference between Munchausen and illness anxiety disorder lies in intention. People with Munchausen syndrome intend to deceive others with their fabricated or self-induced symptoms. In contrast, people with illness anxiety disorder don't purposefully pretend to have symptoms with the aim of misleading others.
Are doctors allowed to self-diagnose?
Self-diagnosing isn't necessarily "forbidden" for anyone, including doctors. However, they are also discouraged from doing so because misdiagnosis is possible regardless of your skills and training. Factors like denial and bias can interfere with the accuracy of self-diagnosis by doctors, as can a lack of objectivity.
Can I self-diagnose autism?
It is possible to self-diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but it can be challenging to do so accurately because of the condition's complexity and variations between people. The self-screening tools and resources available online and elsewhere aren't guaranteed to be reliable and can lead to misidentification of your symptoms. While many people recognize traits in themselves that resemble those of autism, formal diagnosis is best carried out by trained professionals like psychologists, psychiatrists, or developmental specialists.
Can I diagnose myself online?
There are many self-diagnosis tools online for a variety of conditions. Many of these symptom checkers have been vetted by professionals, but most of them do recommend consulting with a physician if you believe you have a mental or physical health condition.
What percentage of self-diagnosis is correct?
The accuracy of self-diagnosing mental health conditions is challenging to quantify for a few reasons. Some people don't find out for sure whether their self-diagnosis is accurate because they don't follow up with a professional or others who can offer a credible second opinion. Others may not discuss their experience with self-diagnosing due to fear or stigma associated with mental and behavioral health. One survey suggests that 82% of individuals had their diagnosis validated by a doctor after self-diagnosing through social media resources. Researchers in another study had similar findings, concluding that "Self-reported diagnoses correspond well with symptom severity on a continuum and can be trusted as clinical indicators, especially in common internalizing disorders such as depression and generalized anxiety disorder."
Why is ADHD becoming trendy?
ADHD has garnered a lot of public attention and discussion in recent years, often being described as "trendy." Though ADHD might seem "trendy" at times, the increased conversation about it has also helped many people who struggled without a diagnosis to receive the support they need. There are several reasons why cases of ADHD seem to be on the rise:
Increased awareness and diagnosis
Like many mental health disorders, new discoveries in ADHD research can give experts and patients a better understanding of the disorder, its causes, and its symptoms than in the past. In earlier years, ADHD was often underdiagnosed, especially in people who did not fit the stereotypical hyperactive child image, like girls, adults, and other underrepresented populations. Thanks to more current research, many adults, particularly women, are being diagnosed later in life as awareness of ADHD in all age groups and genders grows.
Misdiagnosis and overdiagnosis
While research reveals that ADHD affects a broader swath of the population than was previously thought, some experts believe the rise in reported ADHD cases may be partially attributed to mis or overdiagnosis. Some experts argue that the increase in ADHD misdiagnoses is partly due to confusion with other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. While more people might be seeking diagnoses (or self-diagnosing), it's possible that ADHD is being confused with other attention-related issues caused by lifestyle factors or mental health issues.
Social media influences
TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have given individuals a platform for having more open, honest conversations about mental health issues. Content creators and influencers are normalizing and educating the public by sharing their experiences with ADHD. However, some people self-diagnose based on these conversations, as they recognize similar symptoms in themselves. This can sometimes lead to misinformation or oversimplification of the disorder.
Changing perceptions about mental health
A shift toward greater mental health awareness and acceptance allows many people to feel more comfortable discussing conditions like ADHD openly without the stigma that was once associated with them. With that increase in discussion, ADHD may appear to be more common or "trendy" than in the past.
The appeal of ADHD medications
Stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin are commonly used to treat ADHD and are known to enhance focus and concentration and boost productivity. As such, some may seek a diagnosis to gain access to these medications. This has led to concerns about the misuse or abuse of ADHD medications, particularly among students and professionals.
Is TikTok good for ADHD?
TikTok's impact on people with ADHD might be both positive and negative, depending on how the platform is used. For example, its short, bite-sized content (the average TikTok video ranges between 15 and 60 seconds) can be appealing to people with ADHD who have a hard time with sustaining attention for long periods. On the other hand, rapidly switching between different content types might cause overwhelm for some with ADHD. Here are a few other considerations:
Community and validation
Many ADHD content creators share their experiences, struggles, and coping mechanisms on TikTok. This can be validating for others with ADHD, helping them feel less alone and more understood. The sense of community can also foster positive discussions around neurodiversity. Alternatively, while some TikTok content may be helpful and supportive, other content can perpetuate stereotypes or trivialize the disorder. This can reinforce harmful and inaccurate ideas about what ADHD is.
Education and awareness
Many TikTok creators share tips and strategies for managing ADHD. These videos can provide helpful information and support for people who may not have had access to those resources before. On the other hand, while some information provided on TikTok is useful, other content isn't evidence-based and may be misleading, inaccurate, or oversimplify the complexities of ADHD symptoms.
Creativity and productivity
TikTok videos can encourage creativity and self-expression, which can be a healthy outlet for people with ADHD. Making content or engaging with creative projects on TikTok can help channel ADHD-driven spontaneity and creativity. However, the platform can be highly distracting, too, creating challenges around time management and procrastination.
Instant gratification
TikTok's algorithm is designed to provide constant entertainment, which can lead to dopamine spikes—a key element of ADHD brain chemistry. This can make the app addictive, as people with ADHD often seek quick sources of dopamine. Overuse can reinforce unhealthy habits, leading to problems with attention and focus in other areas of life.
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