NationStates Jolt Archive

Just wondering, do you think it is possible to ever successfullly self diagnose something you [think you] have?

I've always been wary of it, really think that it is a load of bullshit just for hyperchondriacs. However, describing some things that I have been experiencing to my sister a while back, she suggested I might have bipolar disorder. However seeing as she only has an AS in psychology and didn't think much of it (although I appreciated the gesture). But I never really had that strong a belief in psychology so I let it drop there.

However, today, I was feeling a bit bored so decided to look it up. Went here (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm), had a look at the symptoms, and they certainly surprised me.

Symptoms, mania:
Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
Check.
Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood
Check
Extreme irritability
Check
Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
Check
Distractibility, can't concentrate well
Check, althoough I have recently been diagnosed as having ADD, so it could just be that.
Little sleep needed
True. But I've always been like that, even when I was a baby.
Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
Kind of.
Poor judgment
No idea how this relates though, but check.
Spending sprees
Check. Although I should clarify, spending sprees for me are normal shopping habits for a lot of people.
A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
True
Increased sexual drive
True, but then again I am an adolescent, so no idea how valid this is.
Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
True. Have done cocaine (not any time recently though) and a few other stuff (but again, not recently). And I probably drink too much. But I am nearly teetotal in comparison to others I know.
Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
Yes
Denial that anything is wrong
I don't thin I can give an objective opinion on this.

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present
Yes. To both parts.

Symptoms, depression:
Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
All to true.
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
True, but personally I cannot remember when I haven't been pessimistic.
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Yes, but I can think of a few other things that could be the reason (it wasn't as if my upbringing was overflowing with making people feel good about themselves. Damn Catholics :))
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
Well, ignoring the last clause (I have never been much of a ladies man). Yes.
Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"
Yes
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Check
Restlessness or irritability
Yes. But again, how much this is a character trait .....
Sleeping too much, or can't sleep
Yes, but I always put this down to general insomnia.
Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
Yep.
Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
Well I do get 'chronic pain or other bodily symptoms' but since I never go to the doctor, I have no way to know if it is caused by physical illness.
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Isn't this a natural human thing to think about. Not one person I know who I have talked to about this has not considered suicide.
Although I do have a fasination with death and the macabre. But that is just general curiosity about things I think.
I have never attempted suicide (unless you count smoking and other self destructive habits I have indulged in).

A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer
Yes. I call it Christmas. (as well as a few other random times in the year).

So, what would say is the result of this self diagnosis?

Personally, I still think there is really nothing wrong with me (and no, this isn't to fulfil the denial symptom). I know a few people that have been properly diagnosed (ie, by a trained psychologist) as having various conditions, and I hardly think me, with some spare time, an internet connection and google can properly do think. Also I don't think one can properly diagnose themselves in conditions like this.

What you think?

Just wondering, do you think it is possible to ever successfullly self diagnose something you [think you] have?
Yes; that's what astrology is for. Your symptoms are assigned symbols and relationships between them analysed.

Yes; that's what astrology is for. Your symptoms are assigned symbols and relationships between them analysed.
You taking the piss?

I succesfully self diagnosed myself with depression and paranoia. So I would say it is definitly possible.

Sounds to me like you could have it... there's no harm in checking it out. Could help a lot. Cause if you're having long periods of feeling depressed that isn't good. I would definitly reccommend speaking to someone though I guess it's up to you.

I'd probably see someone about it, even if nothings wrong, at least you'll clear it up.

The drugs certainly won't help though.

I seen people one the way done go crazy for life. This one guy I met once, a friend of mine did bussiness with, the poor guy, he was just a young guy like yourself all experiementing and shit, was allergic, fried him up first shot, poor guy.

Anyhow, the liquer and coke certainly won't help.

Ehhhh... I normally don't support diagnosis via the internet. Mainly because, while you've found one list of symptoms that points at once disorder, it's possible the same list points to another disorder. Or that some of the 'symptoms' are from one problem, some from another.

If you're worried that you might have anything, the best thing to do is get professional advice. The internet can really only reflect your own thoughts back at you when it comes to diagnosing illnesses.

Ehhhh... I normally don't support diagnosis via the internet. Mainly because, while you've found one list of symptoms that points at once disorder, it's possible the same list points to another disorder. Or that some of the 'symptoms' are from one problem, some from another.

If you're worried that you might have anything, the best thing to do is get professional advice. The internet can really only reflect your own thoughts back at you when it comes to diagnosing illnesses.


Exactly. Don't trust us.

See a doctor.

I succesfully self diagnosed myself with depression and paranoia. So I would say it is definitly possible.

Was it confirmed by a professional?

Sounds to me like you could have it... there's no harm in checking it out. Could help a lot. Cause if you're having long periods of feeling depressed that isn't good. I would definitly reccommend speaking to someone though I guess it's up to you.

True. Just need to findwhere good and cheap though.

The drugs certainly won't help though.

Like I said, I haven't even touched drugs for a while now. (even then, I only tried coke on a handful of occassions)

The internet can really only reflect your own thoughts back at you when it comes to diagnosing illnesses.

My thoughts exactly.

Thank you everyone.

[QUOTE=Conceptualists]Was it confirmed by a professional?

True. Just need to findwhere good and cheap though.[QUOTE] (Grr my quotes aren't working...)

Yes it was.

I agree with everyone else that I'd check with a doctor before you assume you have it. But your post would definitly suggest checking it out. Or at least some kind of issues with emotions that could probably be helped in some way.

Good luck, take care :)

Yes.

And if you own a gun that you don't need to have loaded at all times, I'd unload it and put the ammunition in a high place.

Guns and mood swings don't mix well, let me tell you.

What do you mean a cheap doctor?

You have to pay?

Oh, you live in America then?

Was it confirmed by a professional?

True. Just need to findwhere good and cheap though. (Grr my quotes aren't working...)You forgot the '/' infront of the quote] ;)

Yes it was.

I agree with everyone else that I'd check with a doctor before you assume you have it. But your post would definitly suggest checking it out. Or at least some kind of issues with emotions that could probably be helped in some way.

Good luck, take care :)

Thanks, do you where I should start looking for good advice (note, I'm not rich So I think that rules out a lot of options)

That will be expensive......

Thanks, do you where I should start looking for good advice (note, I'm not rich So I think that rules out a lot of options)

I just figured that out but thanks :)

Um, not sure because where I am (UK) you can just go to your GP for free and they give you the help you need, provide counselling etc

Sorry I can't help more.

Yes.

And if you own a gun that you don't need to have loaded at all times, I'd unload it and put the ammunition in a high place.

Guns and mood swings don't mix well, let me tell you.

What do you mean a cheap doctor?

You have to pay?

Oh, you live in America then?

No don't live America. (I live in the UK) Don't have a gun. I wouldn't worry about killing myself, far too scared. I have wished that I were dead, but to actually kill myself! No, far too much of a pussy to do that.

I have no idea if I can use the NHS (I have an NHS number somewhere [no idea where it is though], but I never have needed a doctor).

I just figured that out but thanks :)

Um, not sure because where I am (UK) you can just go to your GP for free and they give you the help you need, provide counselling etc

Sorry I can't help more.

No worries. I'm a brit too. Just completely ignorant of how our health service works

You could probably see a GP and have them refer you to a specialist in the area. If it were me, I'd specifically ask to be referred to a psychologist, and not a psychiatrist - psychologists can't prescribe drugs, so you won't have to worry about getting what a lot of people worry about, which is the whole 'oh, whatever, here have some prozac'.

Thanks Shaed. Good to know. Really don't want to medicate my way into a hole.

Two counter-prevailing things you should bear in mind:

-The diagnosis of bipolar disorder shouldn't really be done by an amateur (no offense, but you know what I mean) because there can be many symptoms that seem to fit the general pattern of how many webites describe it. Treat their descriptions with caution, especially as thinking/believing that it might be possible can taint thinking into seeing more connections. It's the old self-fulfilling prophecy.

On the other hand:

-There are an increasing number of people diagnosed with some form of mental 'irregularities' (sorry but I don't have statistics avaliable). As always, if you have a problem, its best to catch it early.

In my opinion (hopefully going to med school next year; fingers crossed) go see your GP, have a frank talk about what you think about the potential problem and why you think you have bipolar disorder [it can help to see reasoing laid out]. He/she will then refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Thats only my opinion though; as said above, you should do what you feel is best.

As a footnote, I wouldn't normally post, but I saw what I think is the very same website that was described, and had the same kind of thoughts ("well when you put it like that, it could be possible").

Ah, Shaed and Glitziness beat me to it. That'll teach me to be wait a while before posting... :)

No worries. I'm a brit too. Just completely ignorant of how our health service works

Yeah, I just figured that out too. I seem to be in a slow mood today... I mean, who looks at location when figuring out where someone lives? :p

Basically you can just visit your gp, explain symptons, they can give their veiw and any advice about eating habits for example and give you information about the various routes you could take including drugs and therapy. Probably then see a psychiatrist who can diagnose you properly, you shouldn't have to wait too long for that. They can then give you some advice and will work out the best method i.e counselling, therapy etc Might have to wait some time for that. Depends. Of course, that's all if they decide you do have this disorder.

Any questions at any stage and I can do my best having been through the basic proccess of therapy and all.

Yes; that's what astrology is for. Your symptoms are assigned symbols and relationships between them analysed.

Which makes a very good argument for NOT "self-diagnosing." :rolleyes:

About the whole drugs thing, which Shaed mentioned, from my experience they don't actually deal with things like that and drugs are usually the last resort or are usually combined with therapy. But then that could be because I'm only 14... But from what I know they don't treat drugs like that. I guess it depends on your gp. I would reccomend not going down that route just because if there are deep rooted issues, they won't dissapear and getting dependant on a drug, medical or whatnot, is never the best idea. But then that's the veiw of a 14 year old with no knowledge of medical science :p just the experience of mental health problems.

You could probably see a GP and have them refer you to a specialist in the area. If it were me, I'd specifically ask to be referred to a psychologist, and not a psychiatrist - psychologists can't prescribe drugs, so you won't have to worry about getting what a lot of people worry about, which is the whole 'oh, whatever, here have some prozac'.

Excellent point, Shaed. I often wonder if, in the US, we're not raising a generation of drug-dependent zombies, most of them male. It wouldn't suprise me if, many years down the road, the FDA discovers that prozac causes some sort of long-term damage, like maybe cancer or damage to a portion of the brain, etc.

I also often think that prozac and other "psycho-active drugs" are prescribed for boys for simply being ... well, boys. If I were a teacher and one of my male students was constantly figiting and active, I would send him out to run around the school five or six times to run off some of that energy.

Boys just seem to be less able to sit for long periods of time without some sort of physical activity. As a matter of fact, there was a recent "Teacher Of The Year" who did this very thing; when one of her male students was "hyperactive," she would make them run around the school several times. Seems none of her students had "ADD" or "HADD." Odd, is it not?

Excellent point, Shaed. I often wonder if, in the US, we're not raising a generation of drug-dependent zombies, most of them male. It wouldn't suprise me if, many years down the road, the FDA discovers that prozac causes some sort of long-term damage, like maybe cancer or damage to a portion of the brain, etc.

Wasn't there that recent evidence that Prozac might increase the chances of certain individuals commiting suicide?

Anyway, I cannot stand this modern assumption that drugs are some sorts of panaceas that can cure any condition.

I also often think that prozac and other "psycho-active drugs" are prescribed for boys for simply being ... well, boys. If I were a teacher and one of my male students was constantly figiting and active, I would send him out to run around the school five or six times to run off some of that energy.

Boys just seem to be less able to sit for long periods of time without some sort of physical activity. As a matter of fact, there was a recent "Teacher Of The Year" who did this very thing; when one of her male students was "hyperactive," she would make them run around the school several times. Seems none of her students had "ADD" or "HADD." Odd, is it not?

Ha, well apparently I [i]do have ADD, but when I was at school I was just a bloody nusuinces with a short attention span rather then anything else :)

You could probably see a GP and have them refer you to a specialist in the area. If it were me, I'd specifically ask to be referred to a psychologist, and not a psychiatrist - psychologists can't prescribe drugs, so you won't have to worry about getting what a lot of people worry about, which is the whole 'oh, whatever, here have some prozac'.

Ah, but if you DO need medication you'll pay for twice the help, seeing as a psychiatrist won't prescribe medication until he/she has diagnosed you. You can specifically ask any psychiatrist not to prescribe you medication and only have them prescribe something when YOU feel like you need it, or want to go ahead with treatment.

Although I don't condone the constant use of prescription medication in this country (US), working at a hospital, going to medical school, and seeing/knowing people on different medications, they CAN help, a lot. I think that too often doctors prescribe medication without properly diagnosing the problem, and begin treatment to soon, thus leading to having to prescribe different medications at different dosages over a shorter period of time.

You might need medication and you might not, but I would seek a professional opinion incase its something that needs to be treated quickly. I wouldn't fret though, if you've made it this long without having to see anyone I'm sure it isn't something that requires "immediate medical attention".

Do take care though :)

:fluffle:

EDIT: And also....although Prozac (which is actually a serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant called fluoxetine) has been shown to increase violent behaviour (which can lead to an increasing risk of suicide) its not the Prozac itself but the persons reaction to the fluoxetine in Prozac. Only 3.5% of patients who took a fluoxetine based drug (specifically Prozac) apparently had an increase of suicidal preoccupation, not attempts. Although the preoccupation with suicide does increase the chance of actually committing the act by something like...15% (I think), the reasoning behind this is that Prozac (fluoxetine) increases serotonergic transmission, which acts as a biological mechanism to increasing the risk of suicidal behaviour....heh I'll stop now, sorry.

Wasn't there that recent evidence that Prozac [ironically] might increase the chances of certain individuals commiting suicide?

Uhh... I think this is connected to people not getting/listening to the information associated with anti-depressants. My dad takes Zoloft, and our whole family was warned that for the first two weeks, his depression would be much much worse, due to the hormonal changes the drug would cause.

I also know for a fact that a teenage friend of mine was completely unaware of this until afterwards (even then, he treated it as anecdotal - "When *I* took it, it made me feel like crap for the first two weeks..."). So obviously some people simply aren't aware what the medication they're on does.

Taking that into consideration, I'm not surprised there's statistical evidence showing that some people on prozac/zoloft etc might have an increase in the risk of suicide. But it's not because the drug is dangerous - it's because they, and their families, probably haven't been properly informed

About the whole drugs thing, which Shaed mentioned, from my experience they don't actually deal with things like that and drugs are usually the last resort or are usually combined with therapy. But then that could be because I'm only 14... But from what I know they don't treat drugs like that. I guess it depends on your gp. I would reccomend not going down that route just because if there are deep rooted issues, they won't dissapear and getting dependant on a drug, medical or whatnot, is never the best idea. But then that's the veiw of a 14 year old with no knowledge of medical science :p just the experience of mental health problems.

Oh, to be honest I don't think doctors really deal with anti-depressants like that... although I've heard of a large number of people not being informed of the full severity of possible side-effects, which I think is pretty damn scary.

I'm just aware that a growing number of people are highly reluctant to seek profession advice about depression and other disorders because they worry that they'll just get given a 'cure-all' drug, which they know is a bad thing.

I always throw in the 'if you worry about being prescribed drugs you don't need, see a psychologist instead of a psychiatrist' bit because, to be honest, I'd rather people see *any* professional, rather than not see anyone at all.

Oh, to be honest I don't think doctors really deal with anti-depressants like that... although I've heard of a large number of people not being informed of the full severity of possible side-effects, which I think is pretty damn scary.

I'm just aware that a growing number of people are highly reluctant to seek profession advice about depression and other disorders because they worry that they'll just get given a 'cure-all' drug, which they know is a bad thing.

I always throw in the 'if you worry about being prescribed drugs you don't need, see a psychologist instead of a psychiatrist' bit because, to be honest, I'd rather people see *any* professional, rather than not see anyone at all.

Ok, fine by me. I never knew people had that issue with seeking professional advice.

Just wondering, do you think it is possible to ever successfullly self diagnose something you [think you] have?

I've always been wary of it, really think that it is a load of bullshit just for hyperchondriacs. However, describing some things that I have been experiencing to my sister a while back, she suggested I might have bipolar disorder. However seeing as she only has an AS in psychology and didn't think much of it (although I appreciated the gesture). But I never really had that strong a belief in psychology so I let it drop there.

However, today, I was feeling a bit bored so decided to look it up. Went here (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm), had a look at the symptoms, and they certainly surprised me.

Symptoms, mania:
Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
Check.
Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood
Check
Extreme irritability
Check
Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
Check
Distractibility, can't concentrate well
Check, althoough I have recently been diagnosed as having ADD, so it could just be that.
Little sleep needed
True. But I've always been like that, even when I was a baby.
Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
Kind of.
Poor judgment
No idea how this relates though, but check.
Spending sprees
Check. Although I should clarify, spending sprees for me are normal shopping habits for a lot of people.
A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
True
Increased sexual drive
True, but then again I am an adolescent, so no idea how valid this is.
Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
True. Have done cocaine (not any time recently though) and a few other stuff (but again, not recently). And I probably drink too much. But I am nearly teetotal in comparison to others I know.
Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
Yes
Denial that anything is wrong
I don't thin I can give an objective opinion on this.

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present
Yes. To both parts.

Symptoms, depression:
Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
All to true.
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
True, but personally I cannot remember when I haven't been pessimistic.
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Yes, but I can think of a few other things that could be the reason (it wasn't as if my upbringing was overflowing with making people feel good about themselves. Damn Catholics :))
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
Well, ignoring the last clause (I have never been much of a ladies man). Yes.
Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"
Yes
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Check
Restlessness or irritability
Yes. But again, how much this is a character trait .....
Sleeping too much, or can't sleep
Yes, but I always put this down to general insomnia.
Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
Yep.
Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury
Well I do get 'chronic pain or other bodily symptoms' but since I never go to the doctor, I have no way to know if it is caused by physical illness.
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Isn't this a natural human thing to think about. Not one person I know who I have talked to about this has not considered suicide.
Although I do have a fasination with death and the macabre. But that is just general curiosity about things I think.
I have never attempted suicide (unless you count smoking and other self destructive habits I have indulged in).

A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer
Yes. I call it Christmas. (as well as a few other random times in the year).

So, what would say is the result of this self diagnosis?

Personally, I still think there is really nothing wrong with me (and no, this isn't to fulfil the denial symptom). I know a few people that have been properly diagnosed (ie, by a trained psychologist) as having various conditions, and I hardly think me, with some spare time, an internet connection and google can properly do think. Also I don't think one can properly diagnose themselves in conditions like this.

What you think?
Yes, in some cases. Once I had severe diarrhea and my pulse became weak and fast, I felt cold and faint, and I knew I was going into hypovolemic shock. My own diagnosis saved my life.

Those symptoms can be natural or caused by many other psychological or physiological causes. You can recognise that there may be a problem through self diagnosis, but you should see a psychologist or psychiatrist if you want a real diagnosis.