The internet provides us with services like WebMD and mobile applications like iTriage that will collect information on our symptoms and ailments then report back to us the possible causes, sicknesses and diseases.
But is this type of self-diagnosis doing more harm than good?
For instance this is what might happen if you ask “Dr. Google” what is wrong with you:
Some doctors feel that these online diagnostics are creating “cyberchondriacs,” a common term used to describe otherwise rational internet users who latch on to the worst diagnosis thrown at them by search engines, message boards and diagnostic services. For example, a user googles the cause of her three day migraine and most of the top results include brain tumor and scattered among the first page are some results about stress and eye sight issues but the user immediate jumps to the worst—brain tumor.
It is also ironic to note that even WebMD recognizes the peril of Cyberchondria buried within their Family Webicine blog from December 2008. But it does not dare to place this warning on its homepage as a valuable reference in easing the imaginations of their users.
So why are more and more people turning to self-diagnosis through the internet? Most health professionals just chalk it up to the rise in general internet usage and the prevalence of hypochondriacs throughout history.
Not only is this practice of online self diagnosis dangerous but it can also be deadly. Some people use the internet to gain piece of mind about an ailment when a doctor's appointment seems unnecessary or too costly without insurance. Some doctors feel that this practice is causing people to feel that regularly scheduled doctors appointments are unnecessary and this will cause a decline in preventative health measures in the long run.
So what should you do to instead of turning to the internet for help? The Huffington Post suggests:
- Engage in an open dialogue with your physician for a diagnosis or advice
- Develop an inner circle of wise people to go to for advice
- Seek out smart accredited authorities and newsletters
- Be your own advocate; No one knows your body better than you
Sources:
Cyberchondria: The perils of internet self-diagnosis http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/cyberchondria-the-perils-of-internet-selfdiagnosis-1623649.html
Internet vs. Doctor: Our Obsession with Self Diagnosis http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-pamela-peeke/internet-overload_b_830616.html
Family Webicine: Cyberchondria http://blogs.webmd.com/all-ears/2008/12/cyberchondria.html
Rise in Web Browsing has resulted in more people turning to self diagnosing http://www.wishard.edu/497.html
HELLO, MY NAME IS SAM AND I WAS A CYBERCHONDRIAC! I have to admit it. Well, I was. About 7 years ago, I found myself constantly looking up every single symptom and tiny pain I experienced, hoping to find out what to do next in terms of healing myself! Finally, after visiting the family physician 6 times in 5 months, my dad said it was time to stop. (At the time he was footing the copays, so I can definitely see why!) Now, I try to steer myself away from WedMd and other "doctoring sources" online as much as possible. If nothing else but for fear of footing those copays!
ReplyDeleteSam, I'm glad you realized you were a cyberchondriac before it consumed your life like so many other cases I read about during my research. It's definitely a common slippery slope!
ReplyDeleteSadly, one of the reasons people cite for relying on sources like WebMd is cost of actual healthcare. When the internet can tell you what's wrong with you for free, a doctor's appointment can be really expensive for people without insurance or low income.
ReplyDeleteI think one benefit (within reason) is that the Internet can help people who do have a tendency to over-react. What is a minor rash can turn into really expensive trips to the doctor's office (time & money) when a comparison online may afford the potential hypochondriac the assurance they need to wait a couple of days before getting too panicked.
ReplyDeleteI think there is definitely a balance that needs to be considered between Alex and Phillip's comments. Too many "internet check ups" due to expenses could be masking serious health issues that a real physician might see. And if hypochondriacs keep going to the doctors every time they get a paper cut then it's almost like the whole "crying wolf" situation.
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