We all do it. Whether our children have a nagging health issue in the middle of the night, giving us a feeling of unrest, or we decide it’s finally time to look up the reasons for a small bump on our neck, we often turn to the internet for answers. Next thing you know, you’re caught up in an overload of information from reputable sites like WebMD or Mayo Clinic – and suddenly, you’re convinced that you (or your child) have cancer. One search leads to another, and soon, you’re inundated with ‘expert’ advice: tips, hints, herbal remedies, cures, and real-life accounts of people who have had, or are living with, diseases you’ve never heard of. And yep, all signs point to yes – which leads you to believe you’re going to die.
And since your manic search for answers to your health problems has led you to symptom checkers and diagnostic tools, you feel confident you know what’s wrong with you. All this because you have a headache, or your daughter has a stomach virus, or you have a mole that has changed color. You get the point. Before long, all the symptoms you’ve read about start appearing one at a time, slowly but surely, as the placebo effect takes control. This is just ONE reason why self-diagnosing health problems via the internet isn’t always a good idea.
Cyberchondria: The Dangers of Self-Diagnosing Online
According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 8 out of every 10 people turn to the internet to self-diagnose when experiencing poor health. While reputable sites like WebMD and Mayo Clinic strive to provide up-to-date and accurate information and wellness tools, they are not meant to replace the advice and expertise of a doctor. Unfortunately, many people, perhaps due to financial difficulties or fear, are replacing proper healthcare with self-healthcare based on online information – which can be dangerous! Additionally, while online diagnostic tools may offer insight, they are often inaccurate. Yet, many people end up ordering herbal remedies or supposed cures they find online for ailments they may not actually have, leading to more health problems.
This new-age issue of self-diagnosing based on online information has been dubbed Cyberchondria by health experts. Cyberchondria can make you believe you have a brain tumor, when in reality, you just have a sinus infection. The stress involved in believing you have an ailment that you don’t have is harmful to your overall well-being and can actually make you sick in the long run.
Arthur Basky, a professor of psychology at Harvard University, believes that while most people go online seeking relief from their worries, they often end up powering down their computers feeling more anxious, more frenzied, and more worried than when they started. Worse, while they may have an idea or two about what is causing their health problem, the truth is that most health issues cannot be diagnosed without advanced testing.
It’s also important to remember that with online searches into medical conditions being so popular, online advertisers are capitalizing on your fears. If you’ve ever watched a television commercial for health products or paid attention to the ads you see online, you’ve probably noticed a trend. Companies often “brand” health conditions, turning ordinary complaints like constipation, headaches, nausea, backaches, or even tooth problems into serious medical conditions – such as cancer. Suddenly, you’re frightened because an antacid commercial tells you, “If conditions persist, you may have a more serious condition.”
Still, there is a balance that can be struck between online information and real medical care. Doctors believe that researching health issues online and taking notes of key questions to ask during appointments can make you a better patient. If people take the time to research their problems online and then visit their doctor with a list of concerns, the doctor can help rule out many potential issues with simple blood work or routine tests. Unlike online information, where asking questions can be difficult, you can actually sit down with your doctor to discuss your worries and fears. Doctors believe that when people present their concerns from an informed standpoint, they are more willing to work with their healthcare providers to rectify problems quickly and accurately, minimizing unnecessary testing. This creates a win-win situation for both doctor and patient.
The abundance of health information available online is not inherently bad. To avoid falling victim to cyberchondria (the online version of hypochondria), it’s essential to limit your searches to reputable websites. Stay away from certain forums unless you’ve been medically diagnosed with a disorder or health problem. Additionally, write down your worries and keep track of your symptoms so you can make the most of your time with your doctor. Whatever you do, don’t use information (which is often misinformation) found online as a replacement for professional medical care and advice. If you have a concern that brings you to the computer, whether about yourself or a loved one, it’s time to use your phone and schedule an appointment. And know when to stop. If you find yourself becoming nervous or upset due to what you’re reading online, it’s time to shut down the computer before you make yourself sick with worry and stress.
