Aarti Odhrani Clinical Psychologist MSc.
Access to social media has played a major role in helping spread awareness and reducing stigma related to mental health. Various social media platforms have made it easier for people to understand symptomology related to physical and mental illnesses. However, while TikTok has enabled young people to learn more about mental health conditions, there is an increasing trend to use this platform as a source to self-diagnose conditions such as autism, ADHD, OCD, BPD, amongst others.
It should be noted however, that there are many overlapping symptoms amongst the diagnosed mental health conditions listed in the DSM 5, a manual for assessment and diagnosis of mental disorders, which lists nearly 300 disorders (and the DSM-5-TR contains revised criteria for more than 70 disorders). Hence, solely relying on the internet to be informed about one’s possible condition can likely lead to inaccurate conclusions.
Another key element to consider is that many social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have accounts that are hosted by trained professionals who post reliable information. But people scrolling through their feed may overlook the fact that not all accounts post accurate material.
Microsoft conducted a study in 2020 to examine how search engines retrieve information when searching up causes of symptoms. They found that when running a Google search, some of the serious ailments tend to show up first and present with the same probability as a less serious cause.
For instance, if a person if feeling restless and having trouble concentrating, their online search may get them to jump to the conclusion that they struggle with ADHD. While it is possible for a person to arrive at an accurate diagnosis using a search engine, there is a high risk of them missing key information related to the underlying cause(s) of their presenting symptoms. In this example, symptoms such as restlessness and lack of concentration can stem from other physical or emotional causes such as hyperthyroidism, iron deficiency, anxiety, depression, sensory processing disorder, or even lifestyle factors such as stress, hunger, and lack of sleep.
On the other hand, if a person presents with partial symptoms that are common amongst the vast population, the resulting self-diagnosis can be misleading or even detrimental as it may cause anxiety and could result in self-treatment in the form of over-the-counter medication. This can worsen their current condition and possibly lead to further complications. Furthermore, people may become fixated on a diagnosis, and close their mind to the possibility of them having a different diagnosis.
However, the fact remains that the internet is predominantly the first source of information for most people. So, to reduce health-related risks, it can be helpful to understand that:
-Online searches can serve as a starting point when something does not seem right.
-Scientifically backed information can be accessed via reliable sources such as peer-reviewed journals or cites ending with .gov, .edu, and .org.
-Communicating symptoms and sharing findings from their online research with their therapist can assist in the case of any misinterpretation.
-Reaching a psychiatric diagnosis is a complex process and requires a comprehensive evaluation.
When people are open to working alongside their clinician, they can begin to feel more in control of their overall health and wellbeing. A mental health professional may refer a person to a General Physician if there are any physical health concerns, and vice versa. This can assist with the management of a person’s symptoms in a safe and controlled manner.
Reference List:
Bashforth, E., 2022. Does self-diagnosis work and what are the dangers?. [online] Patient.info. Available at: <https://patient.info/news-and-features/does-self-diagnosis-work-and-what-are-the-dangers> [Accessed 29 June 2022].
Juniperpublishers.com. 2022. [online] Available at: <https://juniperpublishers.com/pbsij/pdf/PBSIJ.MS.ID.555600.pdf> [Accessed 29 June 2022].
Mental Health America. 2022. Mental Illness and the Family: Recognizing Warning Signs and How to Cope. [online] Available at: <https://www.mhanational.org/recognizing-warning-signs#:~:text=There%20are%20more%20than%20200,habits%20and%2For%20social%20withdrawal.> [Accessed 29 June 2022].
Nytimes.com. 2022. Microsoft Examines Causes of ‘Cyberchondria’ (Published 2008). [online] Available at: <https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/25/technology/internet/25symptoms.html> [Accessed 29 June 2022].
Psychology Today. 2022. The Dangers of Self-Diagnosis. [online] Available at: <https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/debunking-myths-the-mind/201005/the-dangers-self-diagnosis> [Accessed 29 June 2022].
Pugle, M., 2022. TikTok Trend Alert: Is Self-Diagnosing a Mental Disorder Safe?. [online] EverydayHealth.com. Available at: <https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/young-people-are-using-tiktok-to-diagnose-themselves-with-serious-mental-health-disorders/> [Accessed 29 June 2022].
School, M., 2022. A Challenge with Social Media: Self-Diagnosing Mental Health – Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. [online] Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Available at: <https://med.uth.edu/psychiatry/2021/03/26/a-challenge-with-social-media-self-diagnosing-mental-health/> [Accessed 29 June 2022].
Thatcher, D., 2022. Dangers of Self Diagnoses | Highland Springs. [online] Highland Springs. Available at: <https://highlandspringsclinic.org/dangers-of-self-diagnoses/> [Accessed 29 June 2022].
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