How Bad Is Self-Diagnosis?

At its worst, self-diagnosis is life-threatening. Every time we feel symptoms developing in our body, it can be intriguing to go online, attempt to piece together information, and diagnose ourselves. However, self-diagnosis can not only deliver incorrect information but can be dangerous. While there is an abundance of information available online, nothing can replace a visit to your doctor. 

What is Self-Diagnosis?

As the term suggests, self-diagnosis is the act of diagnosing or identifying one’s medical conditions. Most of the time, people use resources on the internet to make sense of their symptoms. In 2015, a study conducted by the National Institute of Health found that almost 33 percent of adults in the US regularly use the internet for self-diagnosis. By 2018, this number grew up to 44 percent, according to Becker’s Hospital Review. 

Why do People Self-Diagnose?

With so much information available to us at the click of a button, it is hard to resist the urge to find answers to our questions. However, no one is more equipped to address medical concerns than a licensed medical professional. When we self-diagnose, we are acting on our assumption that we understand the subtleties of making a medical diagnosis. This assumption can prove to be rather dangerous. That is especially true for people struggling with mental health issues. 

From the perspective of a medical professional, arriving at a medical diagnosis is a complicated and often time-consuming process. Even with years of rigorous medical training and education, doctors need to go through a series of steps before arriving at a conclusion about their patient’s condition. They need to take note of their medical history, conduct physical examinations, get the patient tested for relevant illnesses or infections, and consult a specialist for more clarification.