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Today’s digital world offers unprecedented access to abundant health information at your fingertips. You’ve likely used the internet more than once to find information about symptoms. While quick online searches are becoming a go-to source for health advice, “Dr. Google” is far from reliable. The reality is that medical self-diagnosis can be dangerously misleading.
‘Dr. Google’s’ Prescription for Misinformation and Health Anxiety
When experiencing a new ache or sudden anxiety, wanting to understand what’s happening to you is perfectly natural. Online resources offer everything from the news to step-by-step guides on changing your light bulb. Typing any new symptoms you may be having into a search engine is likely part of your routine. Studies estimate that around 80% of internet users seek health advice and information online.
The problem arises when a particular symptom can mean several things. Search results don’t know your health history. Using search engines often increases worry as minor symptoms can be associated with severe conditions. If you’re already living with an anxiety disorder, seeking medical advice from the internet can cause you severe distress.
Maybe you’ve already fallen into the worst-case scenario trap. It may have started with a mild headache, so you searched Google or another search engine for more information about the symptoms. After 10 minutes of reading through the search results, you’ve come to the incorrect but anxiety-inducing conclusion that you’re suffering from a terminal illness.
While some regard this all-too-common scenario as nothing more than a humorous anecdote, facing such intense health anxiety after using a search isn’t a good outcome. Constant worry about your health can lead to stress, sleep disturbances, and obsessive monitoring behavior. The term for someone suffering from digitally induced health anxiety is cyberchondria.
Health anxiety can worsen when you look at social media platforms for advice. It’s becoming increasingly common for people to self-diagnose based on short “stories” posted by their favorite influencers. If you do this, you risk finding yourself in an online community echo chamber of multiple people confirming your worst fears without ever meeting you.
Online Research Versus Clinical Diagnosis
Educating yourself about potential conditions you may or may not have can be helpful. Online sources can point you in the right direction and encourage you to seek medical advice when you might have otherwise dismissed the issue. While researching online has its place, it doesn’t offer the same expertise and accuracy as a medical professional.
Generic online sources lack the nuanced considerations of a healthcare professional. Doctors look at a patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and genetic risk factors before diagnosing. As any one symptom can be present in a multitude of conditions, accurate self-diagnosis is nearly impossible without a medical assessment.
Trustworthy Versus Unreliable Online Resources
With the overabundance of accessible information, you need to know which sources are reputable. You can generally trust government health sites and pages affiliated with well-regarded institutions. Licensed medical professionals offer general advice on social media. However, you should check if the platforms have verified their credentials before consuming their content. While these sources can be helpful, you should make an appointment with your doctor for any health concerns.
Avoid websites that make exaggerated claims, advertise “miracle cures” or rely heavily on anecdotal stories rather than scientific data. Be cautious of sponsored content and social media influencers without medical credentials. Articles focused on selling products tend to lack accurate health information.
Dangers of Mistreating or Overlooking Symptoms
Turning to “Dr. Google” and attempting to self-diagnose may lead to the wrong conclusion. A person who self-diagnoses migraines because they’re experiencing frequent headaches might start regularly taking over-the-counter painkillers. However, the real cause could be high blood pressure. Without the expertise of a medical professional, symptoms may persist, grow more severe or even become more challenging to treat by the time the correct diagnosis is made.
People often use online search engines to reassure themselves or calm their nerves when experiencing new symptoms. Due to the nature of the internet, it doesn’t take long to find a page downplaying the seriousness of any given symptom. A persistent cough might be brushed off as a seasonal allergy, yet it could signal a more severe condition, such as asthma.
Some individuals who become overly reliant on “Dr. Google” may refuse to accept another formal diagnosis. This could cause treatment delays and affect their health outcomes.
Using the internet for medical answers can lead to self-medication with over-the-counter drugs or supplements. This is risky, as even common medications have adverse effects. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen may damage the stomach lining, and misusing antihistamines or decongestants can cause dependency. Worse, self-medication can mask symptoms and make it more difficult for healthcare providers to identify the root issue.
Benefits of Turning to Health Care Professionals for Diagnosis
Doctors in the United States spend an average of 11 to 15 years training before they’re qualified to diagnose. After 4 years of college and 4 more years of medical school, they spend 3 to 7 years completing a residency program, depending on their specialty. Medical residency involves working directly with patients under supervision and gaining hands-on experience diagnosing and treating various conditions. A quick online search simply can’t match a physician’s depth of knowledge.
When you seek diagnosis and treatment from a health care professional, you may benefit from:
- Accurate diagnosis. Doctors are trained to assess symptoms holistically and consider many factors beyond the immediate symptoms.
- Access to diagnostic tools. Blood tests, imaging, and specialized screenings allow a more precise understanding of your health condition.
- Reduced risk of complications. With professional diagnosis and treatment, the chances of misdiagnosis or delayed care complications are lower.
- Safer medication management. When doctors prescribe medications, they consider potential interactions, dosages, and side effects.
- Early detection. Regular visits with a healthcare provider enable early detection of potential health issues.
Accurate Mental Health Diagnosis
Are you online trying to understand your mental health symptoms? The team at FHE Health is available to assess your needs and diagnose and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Contact us today, and let’s work on your recovery together.
