In today's fast-paced world, technological advancements have made information more accessible than ever, offering numerous benefits to daily life. However, this digital revolution and ease of access have a downside, particularly in mental health. The misuse of readily available but often unverified information can lead to serious consequences, including self-diagnosis based on unreliable sources. Dr.Marina, a CDA-licensed psychologist from Thrive Wellbeing Centre, highlights this alarming trend driven by the widespread availability of online information, leading to prejudgement and misdiagnosis.
Dr.Marina reflects on her experiences as a student learning about mental health disorders. "It was incredibly easy to label myself with various mental health conditions. This was part of my journey to understand myself." Whilst assigning labels can provide a sense of relief, these self-diagnoses are often inaccurate. Many individuals fail to meet the necessary criteria for a proper diagnosis, leading to widespread mislabeling and misinformation.
Today, widespread digital platforms like Google, TikTok, and Instagram bombard users with mental health content that is not entirely reliable as solid information. "Short videos and reels rarely provide enough context or accuracy to make informed diagnoses," Dr.Marina explains. When people often see these brief summaries of mental health conditions that are influenced by constant repetition and reuse of videos, it may be easily believed to be a reliable source of information to carry on as self-diagnoses or even diagnose others without referencing back to trusted origins.
// Consequences of Misdiagnosis:
Misdiagnosing mental health conditions can have severe repercussions. False self-diagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment, such as taking unnecessary medications or neglecting the actual underlying issues. This can result in prolonged suffering, increased anxiety, and even the development of new mental health issues such as depression. Misdiagnosis can also create false attitudes and behaviours, leading to strained relationships and impaired daily functioning.
"Labels are important because they leave a lasting mark on the individual," Dr.Marina says. "A false assumption that a diagnosis is correct can lead to judgement based on observed traits associated with mental health conditions. This often changes our behaviour towards individuals, categorising them as different from the norm and affecting their overall functioning."
Dr.Marina emphasises the importance of the DSM-5, the diagnostic and statistical manual used by professionals, which outlines strict criteria for diagnosing mental health conditions. Before hasting to conclusions and worrying labels, it is essential to consider:
Symptoms must be present for at least six months. This ensures the symptoms are persistent and not just temporary reactions to situational factors.
Symptoms should cause functional impairment in various settings, such as at home, work, and in social interactions; this means the symptoms must significantly interfere with daily life and social interactions.
Symptoms cannot be attributed to other conditions. This ensures that the symptoms are not better explained by another medical or psychological condition.
"When clients approached me with questions about their ability to self-diagnose, it initially seemed they were well-informed and intellectually sharp. However, their pursuit was primarily to explain their symptoms and differences in thinking, behaving, and feeling," says Dr.Marina. Hastily categorising and labelling can lead to incorrect conclusions and unnecessary concern.
It is advised by Dr.Marina that for those experiencing distress in their feelings, behaviours, or thoughts, seeking professional help is essential. "A thorough assessment by a mental health practitioner is necessary. You might not meet the criteria for a specific diagnosis, but if you’re experiencing distress, you may still need support."
Dr.Marina’s insights underscore the critical importance of professional guidance in mental health. The convenience of online information should not replace professional assessment and treatment. Self-diagnosis based on unreliable sources can be misleading and harmful, leading to a surge of complications, from inappropriate treatments to worsening mental health conditions. Thrive Wellbeing Centre encourages individuals to seek expert advice to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
// Dr.Marina, a CDA-licensed psychologist from Thrive Wellbeing Centre
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