selfdiagnose

Self-diagnosis is the process of identifying a health condition based on one's own interpretation of symptoms, rather than through evaluation by a healthcare professional. It commonly occurs in medical and mental health contexts and can range from casual to systematic. People may use online symptom checkers, medical websites, mobile apps, social media discussions, or personal experience to form an impression about what ails them. In some cases, self-diagnosis is pursued to relieve uncertainty, validate concerns, or decide whether to seek care, especially when access to care is limited or wait times are long.

However, self-diagnosis has notable limitations. Symptoms can be nonspecific and overlapping across conditions, leading to misinterpretation. Information found online may be inaccurate or biased, and cognitive biases or anxiety can distort judgment. Without a physical exam, tests, and clinician expertise, serious or rare conditions may be missed, while benign issues may be overinterpreted. Self-diagnosis can also influence treatment choices in ways that are unsafe or inappropriate, including delayed professional assessment or inappropriate self-treatment.

Best practices include using reputable sources, avoiding definitive conclusions based solely on online information, and viewing self-diagnosis as a preliminary step to inform discussions with a clinician. If red flags or severe symptoms occur—such as sudden weakness, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or acute mental health crisis—seeking immediate medical attention is advised. Keeping a symptom diary can help professionals provide an accurate diagnosis.