is self-diagnosis harmful? | patches & parley

[@terciopelo]

As a psychologist I know how complicated it can be to professionally diagnose someone. Things like the DSM help but we also look at that person's life history, we observe their behaviour during the interviews, analyse the way they think and even talk to family members sometimes. Experience is also a big factor in a successful diagnosis. But I'm not against self dianosis because I know that a lot of the people who do it have done a lot of introspection and research. I also am self diagnosed with anxiety and autism, but I could never presume to know which type of anxiety is the one that I deal with and exactly how it affects me because at the end of the day I'm still myself and I usually don't tell people I'm autistic because as sure as I am, there's always the possibility of being wrong. You should always seek professional diagnosis but like Ashton said there are several reasons why people don't. A great way to research is going to google scholar, there you can access reliable academic papers on pretty much anything. I really liked this video Ashton. Kinda off topic but your voice is very calming and nice to listen to :)

[@ryce3714]

after a shit ton of research, i realized i am most likely autistic. i asked for about a year to my therapist and my parents for an evaluation. i finally got it after a lot of work. therapist talked to my main doctor, my main doctor recommended the most popular autism facility in the state. my mom couldn't take me last minute. i got there, i filled out my paperwork with a lot of gaps in my developmental history, and it was an absolute wreck. i literally heard children screaming. there were papers everywhere talking about aba therapy and how it cured their child. i was horrified. they started asking questions... to my dad. only about ages 2-8. i can't remember much back then due to trauma and my dad wasn't in my life. he refused to believe anything was wrong with me. the woman wouldn't let me speak and they wouldn't listen to my current experiences. the examples they gave were the MOST "autistic" examples you could come up with. nothing but stereotypes. even at the end, i was one point away from being diagnosed, and they didn't ask anything about sensory issues. she said i 'looked high functioning' and all of the questions were based around how it's displayed in amab people. i was distraught at first, but if anything, it just made me more confident that i'm autistic. they didn't listen to me. they didn't let me speak. and i still... was one point away. it was awful and one day, when i'm 18, ill go get an evaluation at a place i can chose and a place i trust, without my unaccepting parents there. but if anything im just more confident of it at this point. i'm autistic. i still feel a little bit of shame in self-diagnosing, but i am proud of who i am. i know who i am.

[@user-nw6di1fn2d]

i’ve never been diagnosed with autism, but i’m 99% sure i have it. i’m kinda hesitant to try get diagnosed though because if it turns out i’m not, i will have no idea why i’m like this

[@madisonm2290]

The only real problem I have with it is that you can't truly rely on a self-diagnosis, and if you can't afford a therapist you probably can't afford to treat it. So self-diagnosis can be a short-term solution, but fighting for healthcare is the long-term

[@stinkylittleman709]

I have so many things that I think I might have, but don't really want to claim any of them until I'm actually diagnosed with them. The only thing that I'll say I have without being diagnosed is anxiety, and I'm on the verge of saying I have ocd but don't really want to, just because I haven't had a professional tell me I have it. I really don't want to end up over glorifying or romanticysing anything, but I don't really have any other explanation for some of the things I do. Idk what to do. Have a great day! ❤

[@badreanna]

I have anxiety and thought that I had OCD but my therapist says that the reason why she doesn't think I have it is... hmm how to I describe this... she described it as being similar to to ritualized superstition. Like thinking that as long as you do this thing that you do compulsively everything will be fine but if not then this terrible thing will happen. OCD like traits are very common in anxious folks though.

[@stinkylittleman709]

@@badreanna Oh, that's really interesting. I wonder if the same thing happened to me. Thanks for sharing, have a great day! ❤

[@clairemckinley691]

I feel like I don’t have anything to comment because you said everything so well in the video. I had sort of self diagnosed myself with all my conditions before eventually getting professionally diagnosed, and I think it’s very important to note that self diagnosis can be very helpful in allowing someone to understand themselves better. Coming to terms with probably having autism before I saw a professional about it allowed me to really see how much it affected me in my daily life, which meant that when I went to get diagnosed, the process was a lot easier because I already had an understanding of its place in my life. Thanks Ashton!!

[@miles9653]

On a kinda similar note if someone tells you there one thing don't tell them there wrong or a different thing. Like when i told my 'friend' i was trans she said 'no you have an eating disorder because your body looks like that' an that really fucking hurt me tbh

[@wormrights6921]

everything you said was incredibly true and well thought-out! just wanted to add on something i’ve personally experienced: i’ve had access to a psychiatrist for many years now, and have been diagnosed with depression, social anxiety, and OCD. however, my psychiatrist refuses to consider any more diagnoses for fear of alienating me, or giving me the impression that i’m broken somehow. he has mentioned several times that i have autistic traits, yet does not assess/diagnose me because it will “go on my record.” instead of giving me a proper diagnosis that could give me access to much-needed resources, he does...well, nothing, really. i have been looking for a new psychiatrist due to this (as well as other issues with him), but there are not many realistic options anywhere near me. TL;DR, i have the funds to get proper help, but that help isn’t available within a manageable driving distance. :’)

[@BBDOT]

I have self diagnosed myself with anxiety and depression because my parents won’t believe me about having mental issues so they won’t let me go to a professional but I still don’t completely say I have adhd because it is harder to diagnose and overlaps with anxiety a lot

[@blainemason426]

this is honestly so important and I'm so glad someone is finally saying this. I have the exact same thought process as you. months and months before I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, I knew I had depression and anxiety. I haven't been diagnosed with gender dysphoria yet, but I know fully well that I have it. people are so quick to dismiss people who self diagnose themselves, which is totally shitty. thank you for speaking about this, someone had to say it

[@ApollosDagger]

I’ve been self diagnosing for quite a few things as well and now that I have confirmation from multiple doctors and psychiatrist, I’m seeing once again how important self diagnosis is. Being able to have recourses and a community without having to be professionally diagnosed is so helpful!! It can literally save lives.

[@heatherlydia4728]

I love this series, as someone whos covered my jacket in pins, patches and hand painted i love seeing someone else do the same especially while talking about more serious things. It makes it feel almost like sitting down with a friend and doing up out jackets. Love all the lgbt and pagan pride

[@ryce3714]

also? an issue i have a lot with anti-self diagnosers is they don't realize that some people.. might be right and they're harming them? like my boyfriend. he has something up. some sort of psychosis/schizophrenia and mood disorder. sometimes he hops on tumblr and he sees 'don't self diagnose ur a piece of shit' bull. he can't get a therapist, as he's medically neglected and in a really shitty home, and when he sees this shit he spirals into a full on delusional episode. he thinks there is nothing wrong with him, that he's completely fine, and he doesn't need to ''treat'' himself and use coping mechanisms. its fucking awful

[@eerieisnotfromhere]

A+ thumbnail, a fave

[@dilanstenzeltoffoli1550]

My mum is a therapist so for most of my life she would analyse me and diagnose me and not tell me. Like last year, I was 18, she told me that I had Dislexya and ADHD and I didn't even know.

[@ally9783]

i love patches and parley yess

[@frogspawn4302]

Can you do a video about your haircut . You don't have to if you don't want to though . ❤

[@hellooldfriend3223]

I belive self diagnosses us not the best, like any physical illness you cant diagnoss something Without a professional, if we want to treatment and almost like a physical illness we need to diagnose it like one

[@rob0t9]

my mom doesn't believe any mental conditions are real and therefore won't let me get diagnosed with anything, even though i have so much stuff very clearly wrong with my brain, so yea i'm gonna try and figure out what the fuck is wrong with me lmao

[@Rose-db7co]

I think this is very true but when people self diagnosis by saying I am hyper right now so I have ADHD

[@dasty3314]

i got a trump ad before your video wanting me to vote on his approval poll... oof

[@saiffnablus]

When you go to a psychologist and get a diagnosis, will your parent/guardian be in the room while they access you? Thank you.

[@terciopelo]

Depends. If you're a minor they do talk with your parent/guardian, but usually ask you to wait elsewhere. If you're over 18 it isn't strictly necessary and honestly it's up to you.

[@claireb6543]

It depends on your age, the type of diagnosis you’re looking for, and the laws where you live.

[@desischmader1205]

Yay patches and parley

[@dan5721]

I'm in the most awkward middle ground where I don't have a professional saying I have anxiety, but I get support in school for it from the learning support team and yeah... so I just say I have anxiety because it's definitely how I feel and there are people trained in additional needs who acknowledge it and offer support for it. I'll probably seek an actual thing post 16 from my college (UK education) from them, as the learning support people provide a transition into the college LS and they offer more services, so they could diagnose me with it, plus I get the support I need at the moment. It's strange though.

[@andrewwright7855]

Hey Ashton! Just wanted to say hi! I love how you're not afraid to talk about believe in and LGBT rights! Thanks for everything you do for our community! Bye - your friendly neighborhood non-binary gay.

[@Holzider]

i think the history of psychiatry and psychology also play into the discussion, giving them too much power seems dangerous, maybe others with similar patterns and traits should inform and assess those seeking to understand themselves. thanks for this video!

[@eggsontoast]

My correct self-diagnosis rate for mental health conditions (as in, I've had these diagnoses confirmed by professionals) is 100%. Anxiety, ADHD and depression for me. My medical self-diagnosis rate is a lot lower, which is definitely not helped by my health anxiety. That said, I did prove my parents wrong when they told me I was wrong about thinking I had a particular auto-immune disorder, that my symptoms were nothing serious. My doctor is still working out which disorder I have exactly, but it's definitely auto-immune. Yay? Anyway, I wanted to say that I think self-diagnosis when it comes to mental health can be pretty helpful, and since a lot of the diagnosis process tends to be based on introspection, you're more likely to be right about it than for something like a medical diagnosis. I remember feeling so over-prepared for my psychiatrist appointment to diagnose my ADHD.

[@emilyroberts3832]

I'm a diagnosed autistic with professionally confirmed GAD, MDD and PTSD, and I have a hard time taking self diagnosis seriously, even of more common and "obvious" conditions like anxiety and depression, because the nuanced specificity of disorders is more detailed and complex than people realise. For instance, you can be experiencing depressed mood, but if it's not constant nearly every day, it's not depression. If it hasn't lasted a minimum of two weeks, it's not depression. If the feelings are a result of significant loss and grief, it's not depression unless it continues for more than six months after the event. Same with anxiety. It's more than feeling nervous or uncomfortable around people; it has to prevent you from living a normal life. That's the thing that so many people trying to self diagnose forget; in order to be diagnoseable, the condition has to create significant impairments in day to day functioning. Watching a person having a panic attack would not be enough to convince me that they have an anxiety disorder if it hasn't been diagnosed, because having a single panic attack in isolation is actually quite common; it doesn't mean a person has an actual disorder.

[@nessbailey7931]

As an older person, there are also extreme biases in the system that have to do with bio. sex, and age.***for autism

[@ZanderFoster]

I wish society (and the health care system) would treat mental health like we do physical illness. You wouldn’t self diagnose yourself with Strep Throat, or Polio (I mean, unless you’re a hypochondriac or doctor I guess) so why do it w mental illness? And why do some insurances cover strep tests but not cognitive ability exams?

[@_404shcats_]

Self diagnosis is incredibly important bc it can help you know how to cope, and also we self diagnose physical health things too like when you sprain your ankle but don’t go to the doctor bc you know it’s a sprained ankle. Self diagnosing yourself with a sprained ankle helps you bc now you know what to do to ease the pain, it’s the same thing with mental health.

[@reid1491]

designing a patch would be soo cool! Would definitely watch a series on that 🦄💖🏳️‍🌈 also this is such an important video x

[@ThisGirlReviews]

I would love to see an updated fidget toy collection.

[@platycorn5301]

I know this video is old but I'd also like to add something specific for autism, that an autism diagnosis can actually cause problems in one's life. One of the main things off the top of my head is that it bars you from moving to a lot of countries. For me, I've suspected autism for a while and the person screening me for ADHD said I probably have autism, but I don't really need any accommodations so there's really only negatives regarding diagnosis for me. Knowing I'm likely autistic is helpful for healing my past experiences as a child and it'll be helpful for my therapist to know so they can design treatment plans with that in mind, but neither of those things require a full diagnosis.

[@87654321j]

Really has fun with this video you always explain and talk about stuff so well and easy to understand you could talk for hours and I'd still be enthralled :-) good job Ashton :-)

[@unspokenvoices3399]

I don’t have much to say because everything I was gonna say you already said in the video 😂 you said everything so great and it flowed together perfectly ! I completely agree with everything you said ! I’m also in the grey area about it..there are a lot of variables that go into it...

[@jackriver8385]

I struggled with post partum depression after my first kid was born, and my most recent ex had the audacity to tell me I didn't because a doctor didn't say I was depressed.. I'm pretty sure I know my own brain.

[@Nyxthebat04]

"A lot of people are misdiagnosed with BPD" My trans ass, recently diagnosed with BPD: 👁👄👁

[@runic6724]

So I have a bit of an issue related to this topic and I want people’s advice. So I’ve had memory lapses for a very long time. I can’t remember when they started but for a long time. The way they work is that I’ll start feeling numb and disconnected and then I’ll ‘come to’ somewhere else usually about an hour later. I started school again recently and I had forgotten how bad they are for school (I’m sure you can imagine). I started doing a shit ton of research and became concerned about the possibility of DID. I realized that it wasn’t normal to have conversations with people in your head or even have people in your head and that I really can’t remember anything from school before second grade. I brought this up with my therapist and she told me to schedule a neurology appointment and that it was probably just stress. I tried to bring up how to deal with the memory lapses again in the next session but she cut me off, told me I didn’t have DID, that I needed to stop looking these things up and that she didn’t want to talk about this again (she said it in a nice therapist way tho). She has no idea about the people in my head or the fact that my friends say that I talk in a British accent sometimes, my parents say they don’t notice anything but I try to avoid my parents so that might be why. She won’t let me talk and this is impacting my life in a big way. I have no idea what to do.

[@runic6724]

Also I forgot to mention that the main reason she thinks it's stress is because it happens more when I'm under stress but that's how DID works? And I'm concerned she doesn't know that?

[@karisduval7550]

Auri , do you think there has been a childhood trauma that could’ve caused these memory lapses? i’m pretty sure that’s what causes DID

[@runic6724]

Yeah, that's what I was saying when I said I don't remember my childhood up to second grade, usually, people with DID have a huge hole in their childhood memory due to trauma, so that's what I think that might be.

[@terciopelo]

You could look for any psychologists/therapists that have experience with DID. Maybe look for forums and ask those who have been diagnosed who they went to. Good luck.

[@runic6724]

Thanks

[@BeccaRaptor94]

You are so intelligent, especially for your age. Keep being you, Ashton!

[@joxdev816]

Nice vid. Love the patches uwu.

[@emilyroberts8517]

I’m all for people investigating their symptoms and doing research to understand themselves better, but I don’t understand why they then feel the need to say, “I have this thing ecause I self diagnosed it.” What’s wrong with just sticking to, “I did a lot of research and I think I have this thing, but I haven’t seen a doctor so I’m not 100% sure,”? Also, yes healthcare in the US sucks, and it sucks that people who need it can’t get it, but not having access to a doctor doesn’t suddenly make someone more qualified to diagnose their own symptoms. As someone who has been professionally diagnosed with autism twice, by different doctors, a number of years apart, I can confirm that what you say is true, Ashton. Autism assessments are a long, detailed and involved process. The reason for the depth of scrutiny and detail is because autism can look like many other things that have overlapping traits. ADHD, anxiety, OCD, sensory processing disorder and PTSD are all conditions I can think of off the top of my head that share symptoms and presentation with autism, and it is extremely difficult for a layman to discern the difference. Case in point, I went in to be assessed for ADHD because I was restless, impulsive and had trouble focusing. The final report came back saying it’s not ADHD, it’s anxiety, depression and PTSD, which are very different disorders to ADHD, but happen to share a few key overlapping symptoms. So, my long spiel is just to say, do all the research and introspection you want, just don’t tell people you have X condition until you see a doctor. P.S, for poor people in the US, Medicaid is readily available, and is the only way I was able to pay for the assessments I got, and the services I presently receive.

[@orc1582]

Nice video 👏🏼 ❤️

[@jr9049]

i really think im autistic tbh, but i just applied for health care and it’ll take like 6 weeks for me to get it or something and even then i still face the problem of my parents not believing me on it and not taking me to the doctor

[@rowan8067]

As a fellow autie I just wanna step in and say that I was in that position once and that while it can be really hard, somethings take time and unfortunately this is one of them. Trying to convince everyone I was actually autistic took a lot out of me and it was one of the hardest parts of my life, and I want to reassure you that though times are tough, it will get better and you’re not alone, because the autistic community will always welcome you. Remember to practise lots of self care and don’t be too afraid to reach out because a lot of people will actually be really cool with it

[@jr9049]

Maybee Not thank you so much!!!! (^_^)

[@evanusher8205]

I know that this comment was left a while ago, but I just wanted to say: I have been professionally diagnosed with autism, and trust me, I'm more than familiar with the extensive process that involves being assessed. It took about two years for my diagnosis to come through, and about three years for my gender identity disorder diagnosis to. I do live in the UK where healthcare is available for free, and I acknowledge that this is a privilege. However, I really stand by the idea that you must not lose patience, and I stand by my belief that self-diagnosis is harmful and will not do you any good. There is a *reason* that the autism diagnosing process is so complex. It is a neurological condition that is in your brain for life- different to anxiety, depression etc.- it is a lifelong thing, and diagnosing yourself with anything, let alone something so complicated. In my opinion it really causes more issues in the mind than is necessary, and patience and groundedness will bring you much better peace of mind. Of course, get help if you think you need it. And of course, it is extremely important to look into your own mind and try to gain an understanding. But this is different from a medical diagnosis. Diagnoses are useful because they get you help and treatment, even though they come with some not so pleasant side-effects. If you self-diagnose you only get the bad stuff- and what's more you might not even be right. Self-diagnosis often leads to people avoiding getting actual help because it leads to the belief that you can be your own doctor.

[@edenbishop821]

Just a question to all of you: What is your opinion on trans guys with long (shoulder length) hair? Idk I always wonder what people think about it. Lol

[@jr9049]

Pan Onkolog i think they’re awesome!!! ❤️ :3

[@graveyardpansy]

honestly guys with long hair in general are hot as fuck

[@jackofhearts5542]

It's hair, I don't get what the big deal is. Hair is an expression not a gender. They usually have a harder time passing but that's their choice, it doesn't really matter.

[@ava-oy4eb]

i think it’s cool as long as they aren’t being forced to keep their hair longggg (along with short hair, as long as they aren’t being forced its cooooool)

[@stinkybean2004]

my brother had long(he’s not trans) and was called a girl a lot to the point someone told him he wasn’t allowed in the male restroom. It annoyed me, oh and I was called a boy multiple times...I don’t know why I think it was because of what clothes I wear?

[@tyfickle1960]

Is patches and parley something you made up ? I really liked them I looked it up all I saw was you. Would you be mad if someone used (if you did make I'd definitely credit you not that anyone would really watch mine )

[@willjolley8966]

I’m still waiting for my psych referral idk if it’s in the system which sucks

[@ireallycouldntcareless6352]

anyone else listen to these while doing homework

[@skaibby]

Hiii I have a question how old are you? Love ur videos

[@cjhunt9532]

bakers be like *bakes*

[@kayt11n]

Ashton, I’m sorry if I sound rude because I do genuinely love your content regardless of our different opinions sometimes! I’m a bit oblivious so I thought I should preface with this! As you are someone who I am assuming is middle class or even upper middle class, I find it absolutely ridiculous you are speaking on classism in the mental health system, but I do however respect your ability to have an opinion. I am lower class and I have been receiving mental health care since I was 14 years old. Maybe it’s a state to state thing, but I live in the upper midwest and I have found many free or sliding scale clinics that will help you with mental health. I’ve had my psychiatric hospital visits covered by the state since I have medicaid. If anyone needs resources in Minnesota hit me up!!! I completely agree that some thing are easier to diagnose than others and they overlap many times, but there are some mental illnesses that cannot be self diagnosed such as psychotic disorders or developmental disorders because they are much more complex! I think that self awareness is not harmful and I do not think that self diagnosis is inherently harmful, but it should not necessarily be done.

[@ZanderFoster]

I think the VAST majority of people self diagnosing are youth that read “ # anxious” posts and resonate with being shy or introverted. It troubles me to see young people diagnosing themselves because what then? Like okay you self diagnose yourself with say Anxiety, but without education you aren’t qualified to treat it. So labeling yourself as having _____ doesn’t help much except to be “# relatable” online.

[@jeaniejene9222]

i’m sorry but people should just not diagnose them selfs, you are not a professional it is unproductive and unhealthy imo

[@lyrablack8621]

Whaaat, a person with OCD isn't bothered by something asymmetrical?? /s

[@hardgoretobi6277]

In my opinion I don't think Self-dx is valid (in some situations). Even if you do research on a disorder you aren't as qualified as a psychologist to say you have a disorder. They have studied for years and ave gotten degrees. I'm not saying psychologist can't be wrong but what a pyschologist knows compared to someone else who isn't but did research is far more accurate knowledge and they would have a better chance of diagnosing you correctly. I also believe that if you aren't a psychologist you cannot diagnose yourself as in you don't have the proper criteria. Its fine to suspect and state out loud that you think you have a disorder but you cannot claim to have it. I know not everyone can afford a diagnose but you are now qualified to diagnose yourself so you cannot say you have it. Self-dx in it's self isn't harmful but its how people use and weaponize it. People will fake disorder and when they get called out they just say they are self-dx and call the person calling them out privilege and a bigot while they live in a 4 story home and go to private school.