Australians Increasingly Self-Diagnosing Mental Health Conditions Online, Experts Warn
A growing number of Australians are turning to social media and artificial intelligence for mental health assessments, leading to concerns about misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and worsening symptoms.
Clinical psychologist Professor Jill Newby from UNSW Sydney says the trend of self-diagnosis, particularly for conditions like ADHD and OCD, is becoming a “serious concern.” She explained that relatable content encountered online can lead individuals down a “rabbit hole of self-diagnosis,” even when not actively seeking such information. “When you’re looking at information online or watching videos, you might not even be searching for that information…But it’s relatable – you can empathise with that person or see similarities in your own experience – and that can lead you down a rabbit hole of self-diagnosis.”
The Australian Medical Association has also raised alarms about fabricated “health professionals” appearing on social media platforms, using AI-generated images to offer misleading medical advice. AMA president Dr. Danielle McMullen stated these profiles are “really dangerous” because they erode public trust in legitimate clinicians and can spread misinformation, sometimes even promoting unapproved medicines or collecting personal data. This rise in digital health misinformation coincides with a broader trend of increasing mental health awareness, but experts caution that self-diagnosis can pathologize normal human emotions. For more information on recognizing legitimate mental health resources, visit Beyond Blue.
Professor Newby highlighted the role of algorithms in reinforcing these beliefs, noting that individuals already concerned about a condition will be “fed information that convinces you you’re right.” She suggested that social media platforms should allow users to reset their algorithms to break this cycle and prioritize evidence-based information from trusted sources, such as a dedicated “OCD Australia” resource. Recent research from the UK shows a growing number of people are comfortable discussing their mental health with AI chatbots, a practice that therapists like Kate Bufton warn can lack the nuance of a professional, interpersonal experience. The potential for delayed or inappropriate treatment due to self-diagnosis is a significant public health issue, as early intervention is often crucial for positive outcomes.
Experts are urging Australians to critically evaluate online health information and seek professional support when experiencing mental health concerns, emphasizing the importance of a qualified diagnosis and treatment plan.
