Currently, there are lots of videos circulating on social media such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, etc. which shows signs and symptoms of mental disorders. This turns out to be enough to influence many people who feel that they are feeling the signs and symptoms so that they diagnose themselves with certain mental disorders or what is usually called self-diagnosis.
Self-diagnosis is how we diagnose ourselves as having a disease based on the knowledge we have or after reading information on the internet related to the complaint. Even though the information available on the internet often cannot be justified medically or is not evidence-based medicine.

Misperceptions in Self Diagnosis
· Depression, is not the same as being sad because of a bad day
· ADHD, is not the same as being more active than usual and lacking focus
· PTSD, is not the same as feeling irritated, disappointed because of a certain unpleasant event
· Panic Disorder, is not the same as a momentary feeling of fear
· OCD, is not the same as someone who is completely organized and follows procedures
· Bipolar, not the same as a moody person

Reasons why people carry out self-diagnosis
· Infodemic, the amount of information, news on the internet that has no scientific basis
· Want to know, curiosity that needs to be fulfilled quickly
· Fear of going to professionals, concerns about coming to mental health professionals because of stigma, cost, etc.
· Trends, romanticism about mental health which is trendy and current

Dangers of Self-Diagnosis
· Under diagnosis, ignoring a disease that is actually serious and can be fatal
· Over diagnosis, becoming afraid and panicking because you feel like you have a serious illness
· Misdiagnosis, wrong diagnosis which results in wrong treatment and seeking help in the wrong place
· Wrong therapy, trying to find therapy on your own that is not appropriate to what is needed
· Stigma and discrimination including self-stigma

Mental disorders are medical illnesses that have pathological disorders in the brain's nerves. Mental disorders are brain diseases. Mental disorders are everywhere and can affect anyone regardless of their background, economic status and education. Mental disorders occur through a process that occurs some time before, it can be fast, it can also be slower. If detected more quickly, mental disorders will be easier to treat and treat so that the person concerned can recover and be productive again.

Tips to Prevent Self-Diagnosis
· Self Diagnosis NO, Self Awareness YES
· Do not take mental health tests from sources that are not credible, visit www.pdskji.org to self-check psychological problems online
· Do not carry out Self Diagnosis via social media (Tiktok, Instagram, Youtube, etc.)
· Do not compare symptoms with others
· Immediately consult a mental health professional if you experience symptoms of mental disorders in order to receive a definite diagnosis and prompt and appropriate therapy

Author: dr. Lahargo Kembaren, Sp.KJ

Refrance:

American Psychiatric Association. (2010). DSM-5 development. Retrieved from https://www.dsm5.org/Pages/Default.aspx

Bell, V. ( 2007). Online information, extreme communities and Internet therapy: Is the Internet good for our mental health? Journal of Mental Health, 16, 445-457.

Stolzenburg S, Freitag S, Evans-Lacko S, Muehlan H, Schmidt S, Schomerus G. The Stigma of Mental Illness as a Barrier to Self Labeling as Having a Mental Illness. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2017 Dec;205(12):903-909.