In the United States, healthcare is becoming increasingly inaccessible due to its immense cost. Mental healthcare is no exception. Diagnostic testing for mental disorders (ex: ADHD) is often an out of pocket cost, leading to it becoming unaffordable for the average citizen. Self-diagnosis, on the other hand, is often free, making it a more affordable treatment option.

Self-Diagnosis: Cost of Care

There is a growing shortage of psychiatrists in the United States, making scheduling psychiatric appointments and assessments increasingly difficult. This accessibility issue is likely the driving force behind mental disorder self-diagnosis. Because those with suspected mental disorders are unable to receive professional treatment, they are attempting to act as their own psychiatrist, using the resources available to them to arrive at a diagnosis, using this self-diagnosis to treat themselves accordingly.

Self-Diagnosis: Appointment Availability

- Self-Diagnosis: Cost of Care
- Self-Diagnosis: Appointment Availability

Grinnell College

- Self-Diagnosis: How does it occur?
- Self-Diagnosis: Why does it occur?
- Self-Diagnosis: References

Mental Disorders and Self Diagnosis

With the rising prevalence of mental disorders has come an increase in self-diagnosis of mental disorders. The increased availability of the internet has allowed the average person to access tools such as the DSM and disorder screening tools (RAADS-R, PHQ-9) that were previously unavailable to the public. With these tools, the average person is able to arrive at a working diagnosis for their suspected issue without a professional's input.

Self-Diagnosis: How does it occur?

Self-Diagnosis: Why does it occur?

Kroenke, K. (n.d.). PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). MDCalc. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/1725/phq9-patient-health-questionnaire9

‌RAADS-R. (2020, April 4). Embrace-Autism.com; Embrace Autism. https://embrace-autism.com/raads-r/

Rowan, K., McAlpine, D. D., & Blewett, L. A. (2013). Access And Cost Barriers To Mental Health Care, By Insurance Status, 1999–2010. Health Affairs, 32(10), 1723–1730. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2013.0133

Weiner, S. (2022, August 9). A growing psychiatrist shortage and an enormous demand for mental health services. AAMC. https://www.aamc.org/news/growing-psychiatrist-shortage-enormous-demand-mental-health-services

Learn Before

Related

Learn After