ANN/THE STAR – In the past, seeking a doctor’s diagnosis was the norm for health concerns. But in today’s digital era, self-diagnosis, particularly regarding mental health, has surged in popularity.
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are now hotspots for individuals sharing stories of how they’ve self-diagnosed conditions like ADHD or autism, despite the fact that autism isn’t classified as a mental illness.
Users recount their symptoms and struggles, often encouraging others to follow suit.
RAISING AWARENESS
The dialogue surrounding mental health has found a prominent platform on social media, where influencers, celebrities, psychologists, and psychotherapists openly discuss various disorders.
Whether it’s ADHD, autism, depression, or other conditions, a simple online search yields a plethora of pertinent results.
Berlin-based psychotherapist Umut Özdemir, who is active on social media himself, believes that this increased visibility is beneficial in destigmatizing mental illnesses among young people.
He highlights how social media can trigger self-awareness, prompting individuals to recognise their symptoms and seek professional help.
Özdemir notes that while the number of ADHD diagnoses is on the rise, it’s not indicative of increased prevalence but rather improved awareness and access to information, including via social media platforms.
GET PROFESSIONAL OPINION
Seeking professional guidance is crucial in addressing mental health concerns. While an increasing number of individuals are recognising potential symptoms and seeking help, Berlin-based psychotherapist Umut Özdemir emphasises the importance of a definitive diagnosis by a specialist.
He warns against self-diagnoses, noting their subjectivity and lack of professional expertise in conducting a thorough differential diagnosis.
Özdemir cautions against expecting special treatment based on self-diagnosis, as it could lead to misguided assumptions and delays in seeking appropriate care.
Dr Burkhard Rodeck, secretary-general of the German Society of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ), echoes this sentiment, highlighting the pitfalls of relying solely on social media for medical information.
While acknowledging social media’s potential as an information source, Dr Rodeck underscores the need for critical evaluation and recommends seeking information from reliable medical associations and guidelines.
Both Özdemir and Dr. Rodeck emphasise the importance of critically examining information sources, as biases can influence our perception.
While gathering information independently is acceptable, they stress the necessity of consulting a neutral and expert professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
GETTING TREATMENT
As the demand for psychotherapy rises, accessing therapy sessions can become a formidable challenge.
According to Özdemir, while securing an initial consultation for a tentative diagnosis may be relatively straightforward, the actual therapy often entails a prolonged wait.
Dr Rodeck suggests that parents of children or adolescents experiencing severe symptoms of a presumed mental health condition should consult a paediatrician, which could expedite the process of obtaining a therapy spot.
However, both Özdemir and Dr Rodeck lament the scarcity of available treatment spots, a concern frequently voiced on social media platforms and a potential driver for self-diagnosis.
Additionally, the focus of research and diagnostics on specific demographics, such as the traditional association of ADHD primarily with boys, can lead to disparities in understanding and treatment.
Özdemir acknowledges the significance of shared experiences among marginalised groups but emphasises ongoing research efforts to address such gaps.
Ultimately, Özdemir underscores the importance of seeking professional diagnosis and treatment following self-diagnosis.
Regardless of the route taken, the next step after self-diagnosis should involve consulting a professional for proper therapy and management.
