Self-diagnosis can lead to unnecessary worry and stress, which can worsen symptoms. It also undermines the role of the doctor, who has access to more information and resources than an individual.

Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) may have the authority to diagnose a patient's mental illness depending on the state statute. Medical students, medical doctors, nurses, researchers and other medical professionals may be qualified to diagnose in the present or future. Only certain types of therapy professionals with certain qualifications can give an official diagnosis. Any sort of kits, google search or quizzes claiming to diagnose you are not reliable as they are not (mostly) conducted by qualified medical professionals and do not follow HIPAA regulations.

Additionally, the information available online may be confusing or contradictory, and a physical illness may be mistaken for a mental one. Self-diagnosis should completely be avoided.