Are we living in the age of the hypochondriacs?

Question

Because I have ran into SO many people who complain about how they have "bipolar" etc., and then I proceed to ask them when they found out that they had this mental disease, they tell me that they have ALWAYS had it. So, I am like...:"OK, when were you diagnosed."

The answer that I get?

"I've never been to a psychiatrist, I just looked up the symptoms online and saw that I had similar traits."

Let me remind you that this person acts perfectly NORMAL. I have met REAL people with Manic Depression, and this girl DOES NOT HAVE IT. Why are people always trying to label themselves with some type of mental illness? This is getting crazy and I bet that it is annoying for doctors to deal with these type of people every day.

Answer 1

I suspect these people are trying to find a valid reason for acting like morons. I don't know about it being the age of the hypochondriac, but it sure is the age of not taking personal responsibility for your actions/words.

Used to be that someone who acted agressively or violently was just an idiot...NOW "they have anger issues". It used to be that kids were just spoiled brats and NOW they have attention deficit disorder. Social misfits are now bipolar and attention grabbing little divas now have "histrionic personality disorder". I'm not saying that these disorders don't exist, but there's been this HUGE doorway opened up for people who just don't want to discipline themselves enough to act appropriately. UGH!

Answer 2

There is a word for that (thinking you have the disease after reading the symptoms) but I can not think of it now.
I don't know why people do that. I'm sure there are some who are very gullible and will quickly fall into that trap. It's like they have an innate propensity for it.
If you can get those people to go to a regular MD, not psychiatrist, the MD will quickly assess that their "illness" is self-imposed. The doctor will then give them placebo pills (sugar pills) and tell them they should feel fine in a couple days. As long as the patient thinks they are taking medication, they usually think they are better. But what a waste of time, energy, and money.
I wonder if some people do it just to get attention/sympathy.

Answer 3

I have no idea why people would make these things up about themselves, but next time tell them that they should be medically diagnosed because they should be on medication. Bipolar people can't function too well without medication. My sister is bipolar and when she doesn't take her meds, she's a beast!! She has been diagnosed and sees a therapist regularly.

Answer 4

i agree with you about the person looking up symtoms on the net and then telling people she has this or that . i will look up symtoms if i am sick or in pain but i dont go so far as to conclude i have any one illness . all i do is see if this is something i should go to emergency for or if all i find says take two asprin and call me in the morning . i just do that minus the call.
i certainly cant see any benifit in telling people you have an illness based on your own 10 minutes of medical training .
oh well .

Answer 5

yeah, to diagnose yourself with some serious mental disorder is kind of ridiculous. bi-polars cant function. spiraling depression then manic phases of spending too much money, sexuality, drinking/drugs, rages, not sleeping......it's not a lot of fun. as for this girl you're talking about, i'd just roll my eyes at her and say, "ok, whatever".

Answer 6

Yes, But the dotors started it, It's a good way for the Doctors and drug companies to make a lot of money. And for people to collect SSI. People are being brainwashed into thinking they have to be happy all the time.