[perpetuallysad]

Reading another thread got me thinking about this:

While I can appreciate recognizing "your" symptoms (for whatever disorder) in someone else, is it appropriate to just tell that person you're "blah, blah" (borderline, bipolar, etc.)?

(I mean this from the perspective of the average person, not a psychological professional of any sort.)

[pegasus]

Not even a professional can diagnose on the internet! None of us are getting the whole picture and we can only see what we are being told. I do believe there is a disclaimer somewhere on PC that states that none of PC or the support forums is meant to replace professional care.

[Aunt Donna]

It is okay to tell them what you think is going on with so they can ask a qualified professional. Sometimes people don't really describe all their symptoms because of whatever reasons. I know I wouldn't tell anyone of some of my symptoms until the doctor forced me to admit them. He told me I had to be upfront about everything to get the proper attention. Only a qualified professional can diagnose and they need to be face to face with the person to watch their actions, mannerisms, tone of voice, etc. I know how carefully I am monitored.

I don't think that would be appropriate at all. Sure, you can say that reminds me of me or whatever, but to go so far as to say "I'll be they're __________" is going to far. There is a reason we don't have the degrees.

[birdcrazy]

IMO not really.

Only a doctor can diagnose. If a person just has a few symptoms but it's not messing with their life, then say nothing, they are probably okay. But if the person has a major disruption of their life or are obviously doing something like hearing voices and stuff, then I would suggest that you tell the person to see the doctor, but don't guess at what is wrong and tell them that.

[Yoda]

Sometimes if a person posts I might say "the symptoms you describe are consistent with _____, you should discuss this with your T/Pdoc". Not a diagnosis just feedback and it is up to the poster to follow through with their health care provider for treatment.

[Christina86]

Only a doctor can diagnose and nobody can do so through the internet. While someone may say "you sound like you've got _____" it shouldn't be taken as a diagnosis. Only a doctor can do that, and offline of course!

[perpetuallysad]

I also agree that we shouldn't diagnose, but wasn't sure if I was being a weirdo about that or something. I really was curious though if people thought it was ok to do it. Hell, I see people all the time with behaviors that are-individually-red flags for this or that, but I don't know all of their life, I don't see everything, can't read their thoughts, etc, so I would not presume to know what's really their deal. I have suggested to two people to see a doctor. If I hadn't have had a friend who did that for me when I was completely manic and about to have a fist fight with someone at work over a new computer, who knows where I would be now...

Anyway, I just wondered and want to see other's opinions about this.

Also, if you do think its alright to "diagnose" others, what makes you feel that you are qualified to do this?

[lynn P.]

I agree with the others - even the best doctor can't diagnose over the internet. A person can say what they think, if an opinion is asked for, but even then it should be taken very lightly.

[perpetuallysad]

The particular situation I'm thinking of a person diagnosed someone else face to face, but I still found it to be inappropriate. I mean, they specifically said they diagnosed the other person.

I mean, looking at a broken arm that's at a 90 degree angle and saying "you've got a broken arm!" is one thing, but telling someone they are schizophrenic and then telling them they should tell their dad that and then do this...blah blah, just seems to be so wrong. Maybe I am just too sensitive?

Even if a person is a trained diagnostician, if someone has not asked for a diagnosis, it is way off base to offer one. As a 'lay person' it is outrageous to do so. Better to express concern in a general way and maybe suggest where help might be available, but even then, only if someone is seeming to want that kind of input. Boundaries!!

[Elysium]

I agree with everyone here. It's never okay, as a lay person, to "diagnose" anyone...especially from an online forum.

You mentioned that a person diagnosed another person face to face? I hope they weren't PC buddies. It's very inappropriate. I do agree that if you are concerned about a person, it may be okay to speak with them privately and let them know that you feel they are exhibiting signs/symptoms of something and that you think they should speak with their doctor, but I think it should be done privately and that no one should tell anyone anything (including their parents) until they know something more concrete.

Of course I'm saying this in regards to mental health. There are certain medical conditions that I have shared with my Mother when I found myself having symptoms. I'd tell her that I was going to the MD to be checked out for ____ and she would usually call me after my appt to see if I found anything out. But for some reason, mental health is a little bit different.

Anyway...just my 0.2 cents.

[possum220]

Family member and friends should never play the guessing game either.

We certainly cant diagnose - as we dont (well most of us dont) have the correct qualifications.

And even the professionals get it wrong from time to time.........

[la doctora]

It is never appropriate to diagnose unless you are a doctor AND have a valid doctor/patient relationship. We should offer suggestions, or compare symptoms in an educational way, but we should always remember to tell the person to ask their doctor about a certain disorder, or reasearch it. Never tell them they have/might have something from the little tiny bit of information that we know about the person.