From search bar to stress: Doctors share risks of self-diagnosis and rise of ‘cyberchondriasis’

Written by Uma S

How many of you have turned to the internet to figure out what caused that random abdominal pain or stiff neck? Don’t be embarrassed, we have all been there, done that. Question we would like to ask is, how did you feel after consuming so much information about the “symptoms” and “cure”?

Most people report feeling extremely anxious after consulting “Dr Internet”. A simple search about a headache can bombard you with causes ranging from stress to serious illnesses like cancer. As our dependency on the internet grows, especially in matters of health, it has led to a surge in unnecessary worry, giving rise to what is clinically known as “cyberchondriasis“.

The rise of cyberchondriasis

The internet offers easy access to a vast array of information, making it a go-to option for diagnosing symptoms and finding remedies. While this may seem convenient, it often leads to self-diagnosis based on clickbait headlines like “What does your headache location signify?” For many, these health-related searches have proven detrimental, with a rise in anxiety due to incorrect or alarming self-diagnoses. Doctors are increasingly encountering “Google patients” who come armed with sheets of data from their online research.

Excessive reliance on internet searches has also caused unnecessary health-related anxiety (Source: Freepik)

“Labelling behaviour has been on the rise ever since the advent of technology,” says Thasleena Nazrin, a clinical psychologist at Mind Weavers, Kozhikode, Kerala. “If patients see that a few of their symptoms match a particular disease, they immediately conclude that they suffer from it.” Dr Apoorva Bachchav, a senior resident in the department of psychology at BJGMC and Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, said, “Patients often come with preconceived notions from online searches and are resistant to the treatment plans we propose.”This growing trend not only complicates the doctor-patient relationship but also leads to unnecessary tests and treatments. “If their online findings don’t align with my methods, many patients drop the treatment and seek new doctors,” says Dr Seena Soman, a homeopathy doctor in Kochi.

A time for change

“While technology has made people more informed and even saved lives through timely interventions, excessive reliance on internet searches has also caused unnecessary health-related anxiety,” Dr Bachchav said. According to her, to navigate this information overload, it’s important to visit only credible sites for health concerns.

Instead of self-diagnosing, people should consult a doctor who knows their medical history and can make informed decisions. In areas with limited healthcare access, consider telehealth options. If anxiety about potential illnesses starts affecting your daily life, don’t hesitate to seek psychiatric help.

The fear of illness can be overwhelming, and while it’s normal to browse your symptoms online, it’s important to engage in safe searches and maintain a balance between mental and physical health.

Uma S was an intern with indianexpress.com.

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