In Kolkata, an increasing number of people are suffering from the 'internet-mediated dread of death', also known as cyberchondria, in which they continue to believe they are unwell despite seeking medical attention and getting treated. What's the cause? Patients place a higher faith in internet information than in their doctors, which presents physicians with issues.
Physicians describe seeing patients fall into depression because they are worried about symptoms they don't have. Dr. Sayan Chakrabarty, an infectious diseases physician at Manipal Hospital, emphasizes the problem, claiming that virtually every third patients he meets has looked up symptoms online and created a list of possible ailments. These patients tend to believe the worst-case scenario, which is frequently related to cancer, and fail to accept that treatment can lead to a cure.
Oncologist Subir Ganguly underlines the growing trend of urban patients doing their research before seeing a doctor, particularly cancer patients. He cautions consumers to rely on professional diagnosis and a doctor's guidance, citing the plethora of false material available online.
Shashank Joshi, a Delhi-based endocrinologist, expresses concern about the consequences of knowledge overload, particularly among seniors. He proposes a 'digital detox' for at least one hour per day and encourages the use of smartwatches for health monitoring, as long as it doesn't overwhelm consumers with needless data.
Despite praising patients' proactive approach to studying symptoms, Dr. Mohsin Wali, a cardiologist in Delhi, advises that it might lead to mistrust and dread even after they have recovered. He views excessive reliance on the internet as an illness in and of itself.
Almost all my patients or their families do some sort of internet research on symptoms before consulting me.
In a panel discussion at the 8th Heal Foundation Health Writers and Influencers Convention in New Delhi, Shashank Joshi emphasized the importance of a balanced approach to digital technologies in healthcare. While smartwatches and similar devices can help with self-screening, he recommends that people limit their web searches and avoid overloading themselves with disease information before seeing a doctor.
The ubiquity of 'internet-mediated fear of death' presents a serious challenge for healthcare practitioners, as patients' worries may impede their recovery. Physicians advise people to trust their doctors, seek professional advice, and avoid relying heavily on Internet information. The call for a 'digital detox' and balanced use of technology emphasizes the need for a healthy attitude toward online health information.
As doctors voice worries about this expanding tendency, people must strike a balance between using online resources for health information and relying on medical experts for correct diagnosis and treatment.
(Inputs from various sources.)
(Rehash/Susmita Bhandary/MSM)
