The first symptom is a vague sense of disappointment after finishing a novel that promised twists but delivered only predictable tension. You may notice lingering boredom, an inability to recall key plot points, or a desire to switch genres altogether. This tells you the book never truly aligned with the psychological depth you crave.

The second symptom appears as a cycle of rapid starts and abrupt stops. You jump from title to title, chasing the next ‘thrill’ without ever reaching the satisfying climax you expect. The pattern reveals you’re treating the search like a scavenger hunt rather than a diagnostic process, feeding uncertainty instead of confidence.