Are You a Cyberchondriac?

by Beth McHugh | More from this Blogger

11 Dec 2006 08:59 PM

There are hundreds of medical websites online, many offering self-diagnosis. Aligned with these sites are those selling medications online, often without a doctor's prescription. The combination of these two facilities can be harmful to your health.

The British medical journal The Lancet quotes one case where a woman diagnosed herself with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and self-medicated with steroid drugs which she obtained without prescription from Thailand. A few years down the track she was diagnosed with two eye complaints: side effects brought about by the continual use of these drugs.

This case is just one of thousands that come to light as a result of the ease of buying prescription medication online without a proper diagnosis by a doctor. Using the Internet to purchase prescription drugs from overseas pharmacies is certainly risky business. Although the prices for common medications are considerably lower, these so-called savings can come at an enormous price. Tests have shown that these unregulated medications can contain more than you bargained for. Talc, mercury, crushed glass, flour, and brick dust are just some of the more common contaminants found in chemical assays of these "drugs."

The message is clear: self diagnosis coupled with buying online drugs is gambling with your health. While many websites can be a useful resource, their content is often not monitored by clinicians. In fact, many "health" websites are written by people with either little or no medical knowledge at all.

It is extremely important to be diagnosed by a registered medical practitioner. In fact, the old maxim, "get a second opinion" still holds true. Doctors can make mistakes. But diagnosing yourself is even more fraught with difficulties. Yet more and more people are turning to self-diagnosis due to the popularity of the Internet.

Ensuring that you buy your medications from a registered pharmacist rather than an anonymous online shop gives you a valuable backup regarding drug interactions. Internet drug sites cannot provide the often life-saving skills of a pharmacist who can readily alert you to dangerous drug interactions. This is particularly the case when using antidepressant and antipsychotic medications. Many react adversely with other drugs, even over-the-counter medications.

Remember:

1. A face-to-face consultation is vital 2. Talk to your doctor before purchasing any medications online 3. Ensure the online pharmacy has an address and phone number 4. Ensure it's a secure website before providing credit card details. 5. Ignore spam mail from online pharmacies

Contact Beth McHugh for further assistance regarding this issue.

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Learn more about Beth McHugh

Beth McHugh began her career as a geologist and worked both in industry and as a university researcher.

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DrugRehab (16) 12 Jan 2008 02:58 PM

Yes,I am a cyberchondriac because whenever my parents have a problem I go and look it up on the wonderful computer because it knows everything and it is always helpful. My husband has an ingrown toenail and it really helped us out with that with that. Also, when the kids get sick just type in the problem and get an instant problem solver. Drug rehab

JohannaBartley (30) 01 Apr 2008 03:21 AM

If I take seriously the diagnosis I receive on the internet I should be checked into the California drug northern rehab for being an Ibuprofen addict. They say I tend to take more pills than I need for some immaginative disease. Well, these pills have anti-inflammatory effects so I take them for reumatic pain just as my doctor said.

Nicole Humphrey (15757) 01 Apr 2008 06:55 AM

lol - I know its serious, but I cannot help but chuckle a little. I actually am sad to say that I actually know someone who fits this description totally Beth. It cracks me up. It is a sad thing though, because I too have seen plenty of "diagnosis" on the Internet for medical conditions I know a lot about, and they are so far off. It's a bit scary when you look at it that way.

Beth McHugh (13186) 01 Apr 2008 09:32 PM

Of most concern is that much of what appears on the Internet is written by people with no qualifications. It can often be a case of the blind leading the blind. Always ensure that the source of any medical information is validated by only using information from a licensed professional or a recognized medical or research facility. Whether the problem is physical or emotional, you should always consult a practitioner for a valid diagnosis.

timada (31) 12 May 2008 01:52 AM

This will be good to show to a friend who insists on buying her own drug treatment after problems with doctors in the past. I want to show her it’s not the best way to do things and she needs to try getting properly diagnosed again and maybe fro ma different hospital.

Beth McHugh (13186) 12 May 2008 03:25 AM

Hi Timada, it can be scary to go see a doctor or other medical specialist but your friend would kick herself if something went undiagnosed that could have been treated or she had unnecessary side effects. I know doctors can be very unhelpful but as good as the Internet is, it's no substitute for a real diagnosis. I hope your friend will try again.