The Risks of Self-Diagnosis in Mental Health

Since the rise of platforms like TikTok, mental health professionals have observed a growing trend in self-diagnosis, particularly among younger users. While relating to personal stories shared online can be a helpful first step in understanding one’s emotional struggles, relying solely on social media content to identify a mental health condition carries significant risks. Without a formal evaluation by a qualified professional, individuals may misinterpret symptoms, overlook underlying issues, or pursue inappropriate treatments. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective care and long-term mental well-being.

What is Self-Diagnosis?

When a person self-diagnoses, they assert that they have a mental health condition without getting confirmation from a mental health professional. With the growing popularity of online access and social media-sharing platforms like TikTok, self-diagnosis is on the rise and can happen through various means ^[1].

People often self-diagnose when they resonate with others’ anecdotal experiences, research condition symptomology, or take online assessments and quizzes. They can also spread self-diagnosis to others by pathologizing the behaviors of their family members, co-workers, or peers based on the information they gather about a diagnosis ^[1].

Mental health professionals notice aspects of self-diagnosis everywhere. For example, many people seem to label their ex-partners as “narcissists” or all negative experiences as “trauma.” Teens will come into sessions with mental health therapists reporting they have obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, or autism spectrum disorder ^[1][2]. It can be easy for professionals to label this behavior as wrong, and for clients seeking support to leave feeling misunderstood. But, as with anything, there are multiple perspectives surrounding the impact of self-diagnosis, and it isn’t something that can be immediately written off.

A 2023 study examining self-diagnosis among college students found that, for more common mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and insomnia, individuals were generally accurate in identifying their symptoms. However, when it came to more complex neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or autism, accuracy declined significantly, highlighting the need for a more nuanced conversation about the role of self-diagnosis ^[3].

Social media influencers have played a notable role in destigmatizing mental health by sharing personal experiences. These narratives can validate and encourage individuals to reflect on their symptoms. While this increased visibility can be an essential first step in acknowledging mental health challenges, relying solely on self-diagnosis carries inherent risks. Rather than viewing self-diagnosis as a conclusion, experts suggest reframing it as self-identification. This starting point ideally leads to consultation with a qualified mental health professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate care ^[3][4].

The Role of Online Information in Self-Diagnosis

Mental health disorders are a significant public health concern, yet they often go underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, particularly among minority groups and young adults. Factors such as stigma, concerns about confidentiality, and the shame associated with seeking help can all contribute to this lack of detection. As a result, many individuals turn to social media and online resources to better understand their experiences and find a space to share their mental health struggles.

There is a wealth of information out there for people to find. Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are full of influencers and content creators who share information about their personal experiences with various mental health conditions. The platforms allow people to share their stories to reduce stigma and build awareness around mental health. Children and teens are regularly exposed to content, including anecdotes about symptoms, coping strategies, or potential diagnoses.

Young people tend to watch these videos and resonate with aspects of the stories, leading them to self-identify with various disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or autism. One researcher gave the example of a person seeing an influencer describe their challenges with social interactions and then hastily concluding that they also have social anxiety based on a limited amount of information. However, this symptom might be typical given their current circumstances or aligned with a different mental health condition altogether.

Without understanding the clinical complexity and variability of mental health conditions, individuals may confuse normal emotional responses with symptoms of a disorder. Viewing online anecdotes through a critical, nuanced lens and recognizing that mental health symptoms exist on a spectrum is essential. Ultimately, self-identification should serve as a starting point for seeking professional evaluation, not a substitute for it ^[1][2][3].

The Dangers of Misdiagnosis

For many, a mental health diagnosis is an essential part of their treatment process. A diagnosis can give people context for their struggles and a framework for understanding and managing symptoms. Diagnoses can unlock resources, be a step toward receiving accommodations at work or school, and be a way to get insurance to cover their mental health treatment.

However, the rise of self-diagnosing has led to a narrowing of the line between “abnormal” and “normal” behavior. When this line blurs, people start labeling everyday experiences as disorder symptoms. Suddenly, feeling apprehensive about going to a party is labeled as a social struggle and a sign of autism. Feeling anxious about being around a sick person and wanting to wear a mask is seen as an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Viewing oneself through a disordered lens can lead to many drawbacks, such as increased anxiety, lowered resilience, and seeking out improper mental health treatments or approaches. 

Potential Risks of Self-Diagnosis

As self-diagnosis becomes more common, particularly through platforms like TikTok and Reddit, it’s important to recognize both the potential benefits and the risks. While identifying with a mental health condition can help individuals feel seen and understood, it can also lead to misinterpretation, misplaced anxiety, and inappropriate care. A thoughtful, evidence-informed approach is essential for ensuring that increased awareness leads to healing, not harm.

Increased Anxiety

Frequent self-monitoring and labeling of everyday behaviors as symptoms can heighten anxiety rather than alleviate it. This habit often promotes a deficit-based mindset, making individuals feel broken or chronically unwell. What might be everyday stress or discomfort is instead viewed through the lens of dysfunction, which can make routine challenges feel insurmountable and erode self-confidence.

Reduced Resilience

Resilience, the ability to recover from adversity, can weaken when everyday struggles are framed as trauma. On social media, trauma is sometimes used as a catch-all term, diluting its clinical meaning. When everyday life stressors are labeled traumatic, individuals may feel emotionally unequipped to handle even minor setbacks. This framing can lead to increased emotional reactivity and a sense of helplessness.

Incorrect Treatment Approaches

A self-diagnosis that misses the mark can lead to the wrong form of treatment, potentially worsening mental health. For example, someone who mistakes generalized anxiety disorder for obsessive-compulsive disorder might focus on compulsions rather than learning to manage their underlying anxiety. Just as a physical misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective or harmful medical treatments, an inaccurate mental health label can delay meaningful progress and introduce new challenges ^[1][2].

The Importance of Professional Evaluation

While self-diagnosis carries risks, it should not be dismissed entirely in the context of mental health. Emerging research suggests that self-identifying with a mental health condition can be a valuable first step toward building awareness and acknowledging one’s struggles. However, after taking online assessments or engaging with social media content about a particular disorder, the next step should ideally involve consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

Clinicians use evidence-based tools, such as structured assessments, clinical interviews, and behavioral observations, to confirm a diagnosis and rule out other possible explanations for an individual’s symptoms. This process provides a more objective perspective, which can be challenging to attain independently, especially when emotional responses cloud self-perception.

For many, receiving a formal diagnosis is a transformative experience. It can provide clarity, validation, and a deeper understanding of one’s mental health. More importantly, a professional diagnosis opens the door to targeted treatments and evidence-based care, paving the way for meaningful healing and long-term well-being ^[5].

Strategies for Responsible Health Information Consumption

​​Given the overwhelming amount of mental health information available online, it is important to develop strategies for critically evaluating what one encounters. Developing these skills can help individuals interpret content more accurately and avoid drawing premature or inaccurate conclusions about their mental health.

Check the Source

Before accepting information as fact, verifying the source’s credibility is essential. Look for social media accounts managed by licensed professionals, clinicians, or researchers. Websites sharing mental health content should cite sources and be medically reviewed. If information comes from someone sharing their lived experience, remember that symptoms of mental health conditions can vary widely between individuals. Resonating with someone’s story does not automatically indicate the same diagnosis.

Seek Multiple Perspectives

Gather additional information from diverse sources if a particular piece of content resonates. For example, if a TikTok video about ADHD feels relatable, consider reading medically reviewed articles, exploring books on the topic, or completing a validated screening tool. This multi-source approach helps provide a fuller, more accurate picture.

Consult with Healthcare Professionals

Ultimately, the most reliable and nuanced guidance comes from licensed mental health professionals. While providers cannot fully know a person’s internal experience, they are trained to evaluate symptoms through evidence-based assessments, clinical interviews, and observation. A thoughtful, affirming clinician will also consider the individual’s insights and concerns before making an informed and accurate diagnosis.

Final Takeaways

The self-diagnosis of mental health conditions has become a growing trend in recent years, fueled by the rise of social media platforms. While self-diagnosis can have benefits, often serving as a first step in recognizing personal challenges, it carries significant risks, such as misdiagnosis, heightened anxiety, lower emotional resilience, and incorrect treatment approaches.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, seeking professional evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment. Mental health professionals use various evidence-based tools to assess an individual’s symptoms and ensure that any underlying issues are appropriately addressed. While self-diagnosis can be a valuable starting point on your path to recovery, it should not replace the expertise of trained clinicians.