Self-diagnosis is the process of identifying a medical condition or mental health disorder within oneself without consultation from a medical or mental health provider. It often occurs because of how easy it is to access mental health content on the internet and social media. However, self-diagnosis is potentially dangerous because the content could be incorrectly applied or misinformed, leading to inappropriate treatment methods.
Why Do People Self-Diagnose Mental Illness?
People may self-diagnose because of how easy it is to obtain information with the internet and social media. A person is able to do a quick search concerning their symptoms and find potential diagnoses. This can be more convenient than going to a doctor. Additionally, stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help and self-diagnosis as a way to validate one’s struggles without disclosing them to others.
People may also feel compelled to self-diagnose due to difficulties receiving care from a provider. Some people may find it difficult to find transportation to appointments or have medical concerns that make it difficult to travel. Others may find that meeting with a provider is too expensive. In other cases, some people may experience anxiety when it comes to attending medical or mental health care appointments, which leads them to self-diagnose through online means.
Social Media & Self-Diagnosis
Social media plays a significant part in the prevalence of self-diagnosis. Some social media influencers will share their own experiences or struggles with their mental health diagnoses and the treatment they may have received. A person who is watching this content may empathize with the experiences of the influencer, notice parallels in their experiences, and thereby self-diagnose themselves.
Social media may also lead individuals to self-diagnose based on misinformation or personal anecdotes rather than clinically correct information. A 2022 study evaluated the accuracy of information posted about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on TikTok. The study found that of the 100 videos assessed, 52% were classified as misleading, 27% were personal experiences, and only 21% were useful. A majority of the videos were uploaded by non-healthcare professionals.1
Impact of Cultural Differences on Self-Diagnosis
An individual’s cultural background may also play a part in self-diagnosis. Varying cultures possess differing perspectives on the importance of mental health and the impact of such on one’s daily life. Stigmas regarding mental health diagnoses, such as anxiety or depression, may vary depending on the community. Such stigmas may prevent someone from seeking assistance from a mental health provider, influencing a desire to self-diagnose.
Present-day psychology is still heavily influenced by Western beliefs and perspectives, which creates a bias when evaluating individuals from other cultures.2 For instance, various cultures may have different views on what types of behaviors are acceptable or unacceptable. This discrepancy may lead to inappropriate self-diagnosis when evaluating one’s own behaviors, as someone may find mental health resources that do not consider cultural differences in their research results.
Common Self-Diagnosed Mental Illnesses
The most common self-diagnosed mental illnesses include ADHD, borderline personality disorder (BPD), bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. These mental health disorders include symptoms that can be broadly applied to a variety of disorders, which creates a high potential for misdiagnosis.3 For instance, anxiety and depression are often confused because they can both cause difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and disrupted eating habits.
Another common self-diagnosed mental illness, ADHD, is diagnosed due to symptoms related to inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity; however, periods of hyperactivity and impulsivity associated with ADHD may also be attributed to bipolar disorder.4 Without appropriate training and knowledge of specific diagnostic criteria, an individual may incorrectly self-diagnose and attribute their behaviors to a disorder they do not have.
Is It Okay to Self-Diagnose Mental Illness?
Because therapy can be expensive and not easy to access, it is understandable why a person may self-diagnose. However, self-diagnosis can be potentially harmful. If a person guesses their diagnosis incorrectly, they may try treatments or coping mechanisms that are inappropriate. This runs the risk of making their symptoms, such as anxiety, even worse.
Identifying one’s own mental health symptoms and concerns can be a positive thing. Becoming more self-aware and knowledgeable about one’s mental health should be encouraged. However, symptoms that are affecting one’s daily life should be discussed with a medical or mental health professional so that one can receive appropriate diagnosis and care.
Impact of Self-Treatment & Self-Medicating
Some people will resort to self-medicating to address their self-diagnosis. Common examples of self-medicating behaviors include over-eating, alcohol use, marijuana use, nicotine use, drinking high levels of caffeine, excessive sexual behaviors, inappropriate use of over-the-counter medications, or use of other illicit substances.5 Self-medicating can be harmful, as one may feel shame or worthlessness due to their self-medicating. Also, self-medicating attempts may not be effective in addressing mental health concerns.
Do Self-Diagnosis Quizzes Work?
A common method of self-diagnosing oneself is online quizzes or questionnaires. Online quizzes may ask questions about one’s attention span, personality type, anxiety, anger, and memory. Participants may find that the online quizzes yield useful information, although they may be slightly generalized. Information gathered through online quizzes can be useful. However, the information submitted is entirely from the perspective of the quiz-taker, which may influence results.
One’s view of one’s own behaviors or the severity of one’s behaviors may differ from how others interpret them. Questionnaires administered by a mental health professional also rely on self-reporting from the quiz-taker; however, the mental health professional will interpret the information along with the client’s presentation and behaviors. This may result in a different, more appropriate diagnosis.
Why Seeing a Professional Is Important
Self-diagnosing can be tempting for people struggling with their mental health, as it is relatively easy to find resources online. Although it is somewhat easy, self-diagnosing may cause more harm than good in the long term. Medical and mental health providers are licensed professionals with specialized training. Seeking an appointment with a provider will ideally lead to less anxiety and confusion regarding one’s diagnosis.
A major barrier for many individuals seeking mental health treatment is accessibility. The allure of self-diagnosing is the ease at which one may search for symptoms and find results. One may be able to find an available mental health professional with the same relative ease through an online therapist directory or online therapy platform. Online counseling options are available for those seeking service.
Self Diagnosis & Online Mental Health Communities
Some social media platforms have become a safe space for people struggling with their mental health diagnosis. In an effort to help other people with similar struggles, individuals may share their symptoms, experiences, coping strategies, and successful treatment methods. Having easy access to an online community that shares similar struggles is a type of healing in its own right.
Although online communities can be helpful for some, it is important for those who are struggling with their mental health to remember that coping strategies and treatment methodologies are not one-size-fits-all. The assumption that someone’s diagnosis and successful treatment methods will work for oneself may create false expectations for how successful a specific type of treatment will be and could even potentially worsen one’s symptoms.
Here are some guidelines for using online resources responsibly and effectively:
- Utilize sources with the suffix “.edu,” “.gov,” and “.org.” These sources are reputable, with each sourcing information from medical schools or universities, the federal government, or not-for-profit organizations, respectively.
- Access information from scientific or medical journals for evidence-based research
- Seek support from licensed professionals through a state or federal licensing board.
- Use identified symptoms or diagnoses as a guide when meeting with a medical or mental health provider. Discuss your presenting ailments and potential concerns you may have regarding specific disorders.
Self-Education Vs. Self-Diagnosis
Although self-diagnosis can have potentially harmful outcomes, exercising self-education can be a valuable tool for those seeking mental health help. Educating oneself on the presentation of different mental health disorders can be empowering when learning to advocate for oneself. Individuals seeking mental health help from a provider can bring their knowledge to sessions with a provider to take an active role in their own treatment.
Balancing Self-Advocacy & Professional Guidance
Self-advocacy can be crucial when you’re getting mental health care. Doctors and mental health professionals are clinically trained and licensed to practice, but real-world applications of their expertise will change depending on each individual patient. So, working collaboratively with one’s mental health provider and sharing your thoughts is vital to make sure the individual gets the best care possible.
During treatment, a provider will work with a patient to establish a treatment plan. A treatment plan will typically include a patient’s goals and treatment methods to be used. Patients are the experts on themselves and should feel encouraged to provide feedback to the provider regarding the effectiveness of the treatment methods used. Providers and patients will adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Here are some ways to advocate for yourself when speaking with a mental health professional:
- Write down all of your symptoms: Write down your symptoms as you experience them, and bring your list to your appointment to discuss with your provider. Do not leave out details regarding your symptoms and experiences with such. It is possible that items that seem insignificant to you may indicate the presence of a specific diagnosis.
- Be honest if you feel uncomfortable: Certain symptoms or experiences may be uncomfortable for you to recount to a provider, especially one who is newer to you. Being upfront that there is more detail to share and the time it may take you to do so will prevent providers from assuming they have a full report of symptoms and emotions.
- Ask about assessments or treatments that you are interested in: No one knows you better than you. An awareness of what types of approaches work for you and how you may react to the approach may assist a provider with exercising a treatment modality that is most comfortable and appropriate for your care.
- Be open to alternative opinions from your provider: It is possible that your provider may disagree with suspicions you have regarding your potential diagnosis. Providers are experts in their field, and their professional opinions warrant consideration, even if they are different than your own.
In My Experience
“Based on my experiences with clients, self-diagnosing is complex. On one hand, someone can develop a sense of community by self-diagnosing and interacting with others with similar struggles. These interactions can be cathartic and healing for a client. On the other hand, self-diagnosing can be harmful when someone incorrectly attributes their symptoms to the wrong diagnosis. There is also a misunderstanding that understanding one’s diagnosis, whether it’s right or wrong, is the same as coping with it. Education and improved understanding are not the same as receiving treatment and support from a provider. Ideally, one can receive that education and support simultaneously.”
For Further Reading
- I’m Looking for Mental Health Care for Myself
- Self-Advocacy: The Basis of Self-Care
- The Wellness Quest: A health literacy and self-advocacy tool developed by youth for youth mental health
- How to Start Therapy: Tips from a Therapist
Self-Diagnosis in Mental Health Infographics
