Symptom

Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrea Cziffer Paul, MD, Andrea Brant, LMHC, and Dr. April Brewer, DBH, LPC

Overview

In healthcare, symptoms are any subjective indications of a medical condition that are perceived by an individual or those around them. These symptoms are often the catalysts for seeking medical attention and are communicated directly to healthcare professionals during consultations. Symptoms may range from physical sensations like pain or fatigue to psychological symptoms such as anxiety or depression. They can be acute, appearing suddenly and lasting for a short period, or chronic,¹ enduring over a long period and possibly indicating a long-term health issue.

Monitoring and understanding symptoms is often a critical part of healthcare. It assists healthcare professionals in diagnosing diseases, assessing the efficacy of treatments,² and tracking the progression and management of physical and mental health conditions. Client-reported symptoms can provide insights to guide the entire treatment process, from initial diagnosis³ to recovery.

However, symptoms are highly individual and can vary greatly, even among individuals with the same diagnosis. Therefore, a client-centered approach can be essential in providing adequate medical care. This approach finds a balance between subjective symptoms and the objective signs the treatment provider may identify. This approach ensures that clients are actively involved in their care, fostering a collaborative and supportive healthcare environment.

What it is

A symptom can be defined as a physical or mental feature observed by the affected individual that may indicate a condition or disease. These indicators are often observed or experienced by the individual and may vary significantly in intensity, frequency, and duration. Symptoms serve as a way for individuals to relate their experiences to treatment providers to enable the accurate transmission of information and the application of proper treatment protocols.

However, symptoms may not always equate to a serious health issue. In some cases, they can be a normal response to stress, a temporary illness, or an environmental factor. Symptoms are subjective, so they only indicate what an individual is experiencing and not necessarily what the totality of the situation involves. However, persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored. Consult a healthcare professional to get an accurate look at symptoms, understand their underlying causes, and receive appropriate treatment, if necessary.

Common mental illness symptoms

Mental illness manifests in numerous ways, and though its symptoms can vary, some common indicators may help individuals identify these conditions. These symptoms often affect emotions, thoughts, and behaviors⁴ and may make it difficult to lead a balanced, healthy lifestyle. These may include:

Persistent sadness and hopelessness
Confusion
Excessive fear and worry
Frequent mood shifts
Withdrawal from friends and activities
Low energy
Difficulty coping with daily stressors
Changes in eating habits
Substance use as a means of coping
Sleep challenges

Symptoms are not definitive proof of mental illness, as they can also be experienced in other circumstances. Medical professionals can be consulted to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Professionals often consider how long the symptoms have been present, their intensity, and the individual's personal and family medical history before making a diagnosis.

Understanding these symptoms can be critical to the treatment of mental illness. Each individual’s experience is unique and may require an individualized treatment strategy. For this reason, therapists often work closely with individuals to understand their personal circumstances and tailor a treatment plan that fits their situation.

For those struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

When symptoms become diagnosable

Experiencing occasional sadness, anxiety, or stress can be normal. However, when these feelings persist for extended periods, become overwhelming, interfere with daily activities, or cause physical symptoms, it may indicate a diagnosable mental health condition. However, mental health⁵ is not a binary state of “healthy” or “ill” but a continuum where various degrees of mental wellness exist.

Getting a diagnosis often isn't about labeling or stigmatization but understanding what's happening and creating a plan for support and recovery. A mental health professional may diagnose a mental health condition based on the frequency, duration, and impact of symptoms, among various other factors. Mental health challenges can be as crucial to treat as physical health conditions.

Symptom-based diagnoses rely primarily on reported symptoms using a symptom checker, which may lead to the potential for overlooking the unique complexities of an individual's experience. Consequently, this oversight could result in a diagnosis that is more of a “best fit” rather than an accurate representation of the individual's mental health status. Furthermore, symptoms often overlap across mental health disorders, making it challenging to pinpoint a specific diagnosis based solely on reported symptoms.

For this reason, treatment providers often strive to combine the assessment of signs, reported symptoms, and their professional knowledge to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. They often consider an individual’s life history, personal circumstances, and potential biological influences. By doing so, they may construct a more holistic picture of someone’s mental health status and devise a more personalized, effective treatment plan. This comprehensive approach ensures that the focus is on treating the person rather than only addressing isolated symptoms.

Symptom vs. sign

While symptoms are often subjective and experienced only by an individual, signs can be objectively observable by others. For example, a healthcare provider can directly measure and observe signs during a physical examination, such as a rash, swelling, or an unusual heartbeat.

Symptoms and signs often play crucial roles in the diagnostic process, but each offers different perspectives. Symptoms provide a first-person account of someone’s experience, while signs offer a third-person viewpoint, enabling healthcare providers to understand an individual’s health status comprehensively.

Understanding this difference can be essential in mental health assessment and diagnosis. A comprehensive understanding of signs and symptoms enables healthcare professionals to provide a more accurate diagnosis, often leading to the development of targeted and evidence-based treatment plans. This distinction can also empower clients to articulate their experiences more clearly, potentially fostering a more open dialogue regarding their mental health status.

Associated terms

Updated on June 25, 2024.

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