Awareness of mental health symptoms and openness to discussing treatment options has come a long way in the last few decades. In today’s digital world, it is not uncommon for teens to diagnose themselves with a mental health disorder, sometimes with the help of sources that are not always reliable, such as TikTok, Snapchat, Discord, and Reddit. Parents might find themselves wondering how to respond when their teen says, “I think I have ADHD” or “I saw a video, and I’m pretty sure I’m autistic.” While this conversation may feel challenging to navigate, it can also be a powerful opportunity to connect with, guide, and support your child.
Why teens self-diagnose
A key task of adolescence is exploring and developing one’s identity. Fortunately (or unfortunately), the internet gives teens ample access to just about every interest group under the sun. It is no surprise, then, that teens explore these communities and latch on to labels when they see a commonality between themselves and others. Complicating matters, uncertainty about who you are and what you value can be a symptom of some disorders, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD). Teens might see thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are a normal part of adolescent identity exploration described online as pathological and problematic.
