CONDITIONS and DISORDERS

Often people know that they or their loved ones have a problem, but don’t know exactly what it is. They turn to the internet, for an answer. The internet is an extraordinary resource for obtaining extensive information on any topic. It is not a means of diagnosing a condition.

Most sites like WebMD,  medicinenet.com, Mayoclinic.org, or National Institute of Health (NIH)  are terrific to get general information on a topic. Their objective is not to diagnose disorders. A website cannot catch the the nuances of a disorder that a trained eye will catch. It’s not their goal, yet people use the internet to self-diagnose and self-treat. Everyone has the right to decide on their own treatment modality, and patients should be proactive in their own care. Diagnosing however, should be done by a person well trained and licensed to do so.

When a person googles their symptoms, they will find self-confirming information. Search results are biased because of what keyword combination is googled. Had they used a synonym, they would have different results, and hence a different self-diagnosed condition.

For example, googling “a depressed teen who is suddenly euphoric” will give you results that discuss depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders or use of drugs. Each is a possibility. For the general population that might suffice. Not one of those sites discusses those symptoms as precursor of suicide.

Many mental health disorders have overlapping symptoms. Some conditions have other co-morbid disorders that go hand in hand. Accurately diagnosing a condition requires an experienced eye to distinguish what is significant, and scrutinize the complexity of the issue. A psychologist will not only listen to the symptoms and ask specific questions, but will also make observations of the person, which is something a website cannot do.

 We know that not everything on the internet is reliable or accurate. Many sites have excellent information on conditions, and treatment options, but not every site is reliable or unbiased. Some things are just too important to rely on chance.

People self-diagnose and misdiagnosis so frequently, it’s an easy topic for stand-up comedians, and especially internet humor. CLICK HERE FOR A GOOD LAUGH It’s not always a funny topic when a serious illness goes undiagnosed.

Consider getting a professional opinion.

There are many reasons to seek professional help. Serious illnesses can go undetected, needless anxiety may be averted, and simple help may be available to treat the impairment. Get the facts, and hear your options by someone that is unbiased, unemotionally attached and spends their life understanding and treating these types of problems.

Dr. Federici is an outstanding diagnostician, with decades of experience. Psychology is a dynamic field, with new research studies being published daily. If you just want a professional opinion of what all your symptoms mean, Dr. Federici can help you with just that. If you want guidance or a second opinion on an existing diagnosed condition, or for help in understanding pros and cons of  treatment options, Dr. Federici can confidentially help you with that as well. Dr. Federici’s main practice is providing therapy subsequent to diagnosing problems. He incorporates classic psychology practices with the latest trends, to provide a comprehensive custom tailored approach to meet the personal goals of each patient.