Talk:Self-diagnosis

Perception
I think the sentence is workable now. I think it makes the point I wanted. 16:36, 15 July 2014 (UTC)
 * Cool! 'Twas a good point you made. Fun to wrestle with, too. MarmotHead (talk) 16:39, 15 July 2014 (UTC)

Reverted Changes
Seriously, since when does the term 'self-diagnosis' apply to something like "indigo children?" None of the things I removed are things a psychiatrist can diagnosis you with; self-diagnosis applies to lay people diagnosing themselves with treatable medical conditions. There is, as far as I know, not really any treatment associated with any of those things, because the people considering themselves or others such do not view them in such a way as to require medication or therapy.

I simply don't see how someone thinking they're a reincarnated elf or that their aura is indigo and that they're somehow special is actually relevant to this page. The most arguably relevant item on the list, indigo children, is admittedly frequently applied to children with diagnosable medical conditions, but is not actually an attempt to diagnosis them with something else. It's an attempt to explain those things using New Age reasoning and make the parents who raise such children (that's another problem with listing it under self-diagnosis; indigo children are usually assessed as such by someone else) feel better about their child's situation. That serves a fundamentally different purpose than a medical diagnosis, does not lead to the usual effects of harmful or incorrect medical treatment that people worry about in self-diagnosis (though it does lead to undertreatment), and is not viewed in the same framework of medicalization.

Also the (certainly accidental) implication of listing those things here is that RationalWiki things that someone else can legitimately diagnosis you with all those things. In short, I think you ought to revert my change, but I can't do that without being temp-banned, so... --24.116.111.211 (talk) 22:30, 19 December 2020 (UTC)


 * I agree, the existence of those things you listed aren't supported by scientific evidence. I think that the reason why someone put that in there is because they're existential woo, "diagnosed" using their respective New Age terminology. I think that instead of completely removing that information you didn't like, we could instead somehow tie it in to New Age existential woo; perhaps a link to an appropriate article could be in order? -- Goatspeed. 22:41, 19 December 2020 (UTC)

The lurgy
How would 'the (dreaded) lurgy' fit in the self-diagnosis spectrum? (Whatever 'colds etc sufficiently bad to justify a day off sick' are doing the rounds.)

And what about Man Flu? Anna Livia (talk) 20:40, 6 November 2021 (UTC)

The edited-out "Hi, teens!" section
I kinda agree that this section rubs me the wrong way at how patronizing it comes off, but I think it could be reworked. I'm providing here under a collapse if anyone wants a go at it.

Hi, teens!
If you're young and your parents don't listen to you, you may feel like self-diagnosis is the only way to find answers.

Some people do self-diagnose and later have their diagnoses confirmed by a professional. It's also true that you don't need a medical degree to read the DSM 5. However, it's easy to misdiagnose yourself, and miss out on getting the help you need.

Here are some potential risks of self-diagnosis:
 * You might misdiagnose yourself, and miss out on proper treatment. For example, if you mistakenly conclude you're autistic when you actually have ADHD, you might never get the chance to try possibly life-changing medication.
 * You might miss overlapping conditions. For example, you might correctly identify your panic disorder, but not realize that you also have asthma and need an inhaler. To further complicate things, some physical conditions cause psychiatric symptoms, so it's important to get checked if you can.
 * You might needlessly scare yourself. You may accidentally over-diagnose yourself (e.g. assuming you have social anxiety and a sleep disorder and PTSD when it's really only PTSD), or you may think you have a much scarier disorder than you actually do (e.g. mistaking a stress headache for a brain tumor).

Also, double-check the symptoms and side effects of any stuff you already know you have. For example, anxiety problems can cause chest pains, so if you know you have an anxiety disorder and your chest hurts, then you might need anxiety treatment instead of an X ray. If you're on any medications, check the most common side effects. You can always make a doctor appointment to check in.

Here are some ways to research wisely:
 * Start with the least deadly, most likely explanation. What's more probable: that your headache is a sign of a fatal brain tumor, or that it's a stress headache and you need a little extra rest?
 * Write a list of your symptoms. Add things as you think of them.
 * Stick to reputable websites. Avoid forums, or biased sources (e.g. Autism Speaks). If you do look there, be skeptical.
 * Find many sources. Don't just rely on one or two.
 * Take your time. Identifying a new condition should take more than 5 minutes. Identifying a lifelong, pre-existing condition may take more than a month.
 * Search conditions that are related to each other. For example, if you notice some signs of sensory processing disorder, also check out ADHD and autism. This is especially important if your doctor believes you have some mental condition, but isn't quite sure what exactly and you've already discussed some potential canditates.
 * Compare the details of each symptom; for example, severe sleep problems can be caused by both ADHD and depression, but in the former they usually manifest as problems falling asleep, while in the latter they usually involve problems staying asleep. Issues with eye contact may be a sign of Asperger's syndrome, but it may also be an ADD brain trying to limit distractons so it can fully power the working memory while talking.
 * If you rule out a related condition, figure out why. For example, "I suspect bipolar disorder instead of BPD because my mood swings are longer and I don't fear abandonment."
 * Print out any self tests that you take. Write your answers in pencil. You can show your answers to the doctor.

You can take your symptom list and self-test sheets to show your doctor. Use tentative language, and ask for the doctor's opinion. Your research can be helpful, as long as you remember that you aren't trying to do the doctor's job for them.

If you don't understand why the doctor is saying something, speak up about it. They may have a reason you aren't aware of. It's also possible that they are misinterpreting you. (Their ability to diagnose you is only as good as the information you give them.) Ask questions and explore the possibilities. The worst case scenario will be that the doctor is a terrible listener, in which case you may be able to get a second opinion.

WikiHow even has diagnostic resources for autism, including how to tell your parents and how to prepare for an assessment. You can adapt these for any condition (not just autism).

Finding information on potential conditions you may have is a good start. Just make sure you do your best to get the help you need (if possible), and avoid a misdiagnosis.

—ℕoir LeSable (talk) 20:30, 6 March 2022 (UTC)