I'm sure we all have done it. IMO, if it wasn't for doctors, I'd be self-dx'ing myself with all sorts of conditions I probably don't even have. Have you ever done this before? I'll tell you about mine.

I have dx'ed myself in the past with:

ad/hd
borderline personality disorder
social phobia
dysthimia
major depression
Sensory dysfunctions
dyslexia (don't know how I thought of this one :D lolz...)

My doctor doesn't dx me with ad/hd because of the current asperger's diagnosis. She feels that the attention span may be related to the apserger's disorder. Borderline, social phobia, dysthimia, and dyslexia I don't even have. major depression I had only 1 episode, when I was experiencing over 10 panic attacks a day. Luckally treatment with zoloft has changed that. Now I don't get any panic attacks at all. She also feels my sensory issue (mostly visual; brigher colors and flickering lights), could be part of my Aspie dx too.

So for right now, I'm offically dx'ed with asperger's disorder...

Hope to hear some good stories soon,
Andy...

I diagnosed myself with ADHD after starting research for a friend who had just been diagnosed. I spent hundreds of hours doing research before I asked for a referral to an ADHD specialist. I made a very informed decision regarding my diagnosis and it was confirmed.

I don't know about serious self diagnosis but in college we had a drinking game based on the DSM and "self-diagnosis."

I've moved into the avoiding labels area after reading "The Research Agenda for the DSM V"

Well I knew I had a hyperactivity diagnosis as a child, so it wasn't too hard to read the current literature on ADHD and figure out that I still had it. My psychologist confirmed it.

Sounds like the diagnosis fits from what you've shared, Andy. I'm glad the Zoloft is working on the panic attacks. Have you read Temple Grandin's (another Aspie) book called Thinking in Pictures. It's a good book and you might enjoy it.

Scattered

I think ADD is pretty much the only time I "self diagnosed" myself. I mean, when someone put the bug in my ear that I might have it, I did all those online tests for ADD. I pretty much knew I had it when my friends took it and they got all these low scores, whereas I got really high ones.

And then reading the DSM-IV list of symptoms pretty much nailed the coffin...

For the convienance of my good doctor not getting carted off by the DEA im listed as AD/HD-IA/panic disorder/vague anxiety disorder. Diagnosis is only important if you're trying to do things like obtain SSI, if you get hung up on the words than you're limiting your treatment possibilities and yourself in general. The initial diagnosis is of course the important thing because thats what gets you treatment but after that its just words.

In other words, choclate cake by any other name is still going taste like chocolate cake and the ingredients will be the same. The name matters little, the end results of treatment are what matters the most. Self-diagnosing can hamper effective treatment when it leads to many arguments with the doctor who is trying to help you.

I'm aware of that. I just find that there are a few people who self-dx themselves. Mom calls me a hyperchondriac because of that.

I do it too. I find that in some instances doctor's don't really know all there is to know. You just have to balance it out... know what you are talking about but don't be close minded that you get in your own way, however don't always take the doc's word as gospel right off the bat.

Being overly concerned with health issues can be a result of depression.