Self-Diagnosing ADHD and ASD: A Problem?

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                                                            Self-Diagnosing ADHD and ASD: A Problem?


 - by Komal Jain (MSc. Applied Psychology, Sem I)    


    “OMG, I think I have ADHD!” or “I’m sooo autistic!”

These are phrases we increasingly hear from teenagers and young adults today.Is this trend helpful or harmful?


Social Media’s Influence is getting a bit extreme, no?


    Instagram, YouTube and even LinkedIn is flooded with mental health content, often providing what are ‘simplified’ symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Surely now, we are working to increase awareness, recognise symptoms early on to promote getting a professional’s opinion, and so on. but self-diagnosing via Google has been prevalent for years. Let’s take an example. You have a cough, fever, your chest is hurting and you’re feeling nauseous - you look these symptoms up on the internet and (back in the 2010s) - BOOM! You have cancer. Today, you

look up behaviours like being lazy, sleepy, energetic, and lost in daydreaming - congratulations, you are an ‘ADHD-er’. NO! Diagnosing Mental Health Disorders is not that simple.


Self-diagnosis trends in Mental Health only leads to confusion, lack of clarity and

incorrect identifications of normal behaviours as symptoms of a disorder.


    Internet Self-Diagnosis? Dangerous. Constantly reading up and comparing yourself to professionally diagnosed individuals? Even more dangerous. Labelling yourself with self-diagnosis and behaving in line with the symptoms? Extremely,

extremely dangerous. A recent study said self-diagnostic trends not only lead to over-diagnosis but also

over-prescription of stimulant medications (M. Med, 2022). ADHD and ASD are, in fact, complex neurodevelopmental disorders that require thorough assessments and diagnosis done by trained mental health professionals. The numbers of over-diagnosis are skyrocketing day-by-day globally.


Self-diagnosis can overlook other factors, such as anxiety, depression, or learning

difficulties, which often require different treatment approaches.


    Ironically, while over-diagnosis is increasing, so is under-diagnosis. Symptoms that are overlooked as “That’s how a child behaves!” require attention.


What to do and what not to?


    Avoid social media and the internet for diagnosis in all ways. They are not reliable. If you feel you might be seeing symptoms (*read / learnt about from a practising and trained professional or recognised by a trained educator / parent), consult the right professional. Seek support. Seek conclusions drawn based on detailed assessments and diagnosis. 


You cannot generalise or trivialise mental health. Be aware - but in the right ways.

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