'Dr. Google' or Cyberchondria

It would not be an exaggeration to say that most patients do some amount of research on search engines, especially Google, to find out more about their illness. This is usually done even before they visit their doctor, and quite often after a medical consultation - to understand more about their disease as well as to do background research on the drugs/ medicines prescribed.

Cyberchondria is a feeling of increased anxiety induced by using the internet to search about our own illnesses. Negative write-ups, fake information, complicated medical jargon sometimes make us more bewildered on seeking information on the net. Coupled with false claims of cure, dire warnings about simple illnesses tend to confuse the reader.

There seems to be some clarity on this issue now. 

A recent study conducted by the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Department of Health Care Policy looked at the accuracy with which someone could pick up the right diagnosis of a disease as well the seriousness of the illness when applied to a loved one. The research suggests that the diagnosis may be fairly accurate after doing proper research. 

According to Dr. Levin, the lead author of the study, it seems to be alright to ask patients to 'google' the symptoms so as to reach a diagnosis.

It is also possible that once Artificial Intelligence is incorporated into the algorithm the diagnostic ability may become more accurate.

There are important considerations though - 

• Do not substitute an experienced doctor's opinion for advice on the internet
• Visit only respected sites like WebMD, JAMA (Journal of American Medical Association), Lancet, and other authentic medical sites
• Avoid following 'Ads' on google because they are financially motivated - not ideal for seeking genuine information
• Do not treat yourself - especially self-medicating with drugs with serious side effects like Antibiotics, Steroids, NSAIDs, etc
• Visit a medical facility immediately in case of an emergency - like a stroke, heart attack, bleeding from an organ, breathing difficulty, etc - this is not the occasion to search the internet for a cure - you may be losing precious time
• There are cultural and regional differences - what is true for a patient in the USA or Canada may not be appropriate for a patient in India
• Ask the doctor you have consulted to inform you about reliable sources of information regarding your illness

You can safely search the internet to gather information regarding your symptoms or an illness that you have. You become better informed. Gather the information from reliable sources and use it in a sensible manner. 

Pic Courtesy: https://www.sclhealth.org/blog/2019/09/why-it-is-time-to-ditch-the-phone-before-bed/

Pic Courtesy: https://www.plano.co/3-ways-eye-strain-is-taking-a-toll-on-your-kids/

Pic Courtesy:https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2020/5/14/harvard-medical-school-coronavirus-online-fall/