The Dangers of Self-Diagnosing in Mental Health

While this post will be directly about Mental Health, the wisdom here can be applied to both Mental Health and Physical Health.

Self-diagnosing has become quite common in today's technological age, where information is readily available at our fingertips. “Dr. Google” is helpful for the generalization of diagnosis but does not address the intricacies that mental health professionals can provide. While the internet offers a wealth of knowledge, it also presents significant risks when individuals attempt to diagnose their own mental health conditions without trained professional advice. This practice can lead to grave consequences, including misdiagnosis, unnecessary anxiety, and inappropriate treatment plans based on faulty information. Something worth noting is that “self-diagnosing” is not just where you do this yourself. A parent can self-diagnose their child. An inexperienced teacher can self-diagnose a student.

There is a term in sociology called the “McDonaldization of Society.” Simply put, “I want what I want, and I want it now,” even if the result is less than satisfactory. Society tends to want answers quickly, so it chooses to cut corners to get the answers it wants, not knowing that the result could be doing more harm than good. In our fast-paced society, many individuals seek immediate solutions to their mental health concerns. Search engines provide instant access to a plethora of mental health information, allowing people to identify potential

conditions that match their symptoms quickly. This instant gratification can be enticing, especially for those hesitant to schedule or wait for a therapy session.

The Risks

Misdiagnosis:

One of the more common dangers of self-diagnosing is misdiagnosis. Without professional training in the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) it is easy to misinterpret symptoms and their origins with the potential to overlook critical subtleties that distinguish one diagnosis from another. This can lead to incorrect conclusions and inappropriate treatment plans, potentially intensifying the underlying issue(s).

Disregarding Serious Conditions:

Self-diagnosing can result in individuals downplaying serious mental health conditions. For example, a person experiencing a lack of desire to engage in activities that usually bring them joy might attribute it to a change in hobbies based on outside information, when it could be a sign of depression. Failing to seek professional evaluation in such cases can have potentially fatal consequences.

Inexpedient Treatment Plans:

Attempting to treat oneself based on self-diagnosis can be dangerous. Individuals may turn to alternative types of therapy without understanding their potential side effects. Some may even look into over-the-counter medicine that they think will help, not knowing that it may worsen their condition. This can result in harmful consequences, heightening anxiety, worsening depression, or creating other physical health conditions.

The Role of a Professional Mental Health Therapist/Counselor

To lessen the risks associated with self-diagnosing a mental disorder, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of seeking a professional mental health evaluation. Mental health professionals have the expertise, training, and specific diagnostic tools necessary to accurately identify and treat mental health disorders.

Personalized Treatment Plans:

Mental health providers develop personalized treatment plans fitted to each client's individual needs and symptoms. This person-centered approach ensures that clients receive the most effective care, minimizing the risk of adverse events and optimizing mental health outcomes.

Conclusion

While the provocation of self-diagnosing is understandable, it is filled with dangers that can compromise one's mental health. Misdiagnosis, unnecessary medications, and inappropriate treatment plans are just a few of the risks associated with the practice of self-diagnosis. To ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, it is imperative to seek professional counseling and trust in the expertise of your counselor. Doing this, individuals can safeguard their mental health and achieve better overall outcomes.