Online self-diagnosis is dangerous and causing 'fixation on worst case scenarios' says GP

Daily Mirror

5 days ago

More people are turning to Google for healthcare, as GPs are having to deal with patients self-diagnosing. Dr Martin Thornton speaks to The Mirror about the dangers of doing this for most commonly searched symptoms
Many young people have admitted to losing faith in their GP, and have turned to alternative measures for help - but how far can Google really go when you need help?
‌
With many of Gen Z experiencing their teenage years in Covid, it's no wonder many suffer with health anxiety. With years worth of Covid scares as well asextortionate NHS waiting times trying to see a medical professional, people have turned to online help.
‌
Many of us are guilty of turning to 'Dr Google' or ChatGPT for advice when we notice something wrong, as figures from 2023 show that there were nearly 50 million health-related Google searches, while NHS figures also show that GP consultations have fallen by 30% over the last year. Dr Martin Thornton, Chief Medical Officer at Bluecrest spoke to The Mirror why this might have happened - and why it can be so dangerous.
‌
"What we've seen is that Gen Z has grown up with the internet in their pocket, so it seems a natural behaviour to turn to search engines, or even AI for quick, anonymous and shame-free answers," he explained. "While that information is always available, there's huge swathes of health information online that hasn't been verified by healthcare professionals, so can't always be trusted."
Traditionally access to health information and advice was only garnered from seeing a GP or medical professional, but now people are able to access it easier than ever through the internet. But is this creating more fear and anxiety, with information being so easily accessible? Or does it mean people no longer feel the need to see their doctor? Dr Martin reveals the truth.
‌
Calling at 8am, and joining the mad rush of people hoping to get an on-the-day appointment isn't enjoyable for anyone, especially when you can have a quick search on your phone to figure out if you're in urgent need of attention or not. So it's easy to see why this may becoming a more popular alternative.
During the pandemic, GP consultations took place online and by phone where appropriate, as a response to restrictions on face-to-face contact. This can often be more convenient for patients and more opportunities for this type of contact have become the norm.
However Dr Thornton said: "access doesn't always equal understanding". He warned: "Misinformation online is rife, and younger generations may lack the experience to spot unreliable sources, through no fault of their own – that's a healthcare professional's job."
‌
He added that what he's seeing more and more in his clinic is "people becoming fixated on worst-case scenarios". He detailed: "It happens especially after looking up symptoms online. While it's good that people are taking ownership of their health, there's a fine line between health intelligence, and knowing what to do with it. In some cases, online searches feed into existing fears, which can be hard to ignore without guidance from a healthcare professional."
For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox.
‌
This is causing a surge in people thinking they could have something more severe than they do. Dr Thornton said: "It's increasingly common for patients to arrive with a self-diagnosis in hand, sometimes fearing the worst. While I'm happy that patients are taking control of their health, more often than not, I'm happy to tell them that their fears are unfounded." He reiterated that professional evaluation is so important, to provide the context around vital health intelligence.
In terms of Covid and the mental health impacts of the pandemic, the expert said he has noticed how that time shifted how people think about illness. While public health messaging was vital at the time, Dr Thornton said it's left a "lingering sense of unease for many, and it's important not to ignore a lingering cough, it's also important to think of the wider context around perceived symptoms."
But it has also meant people are more health conscious than previous generations. He added: "At Bluecrest, we certainly see health assessments taken up more regularly by over 30s, and our research shows that health intelligence is highest in Gen Xs.
‌
"At the same time, we know that many conditions, from high cholesterol to vitamin deficiencies, can appear much earlier than people expect. The key is reframing preventive health as a tool for confidence, alongside advice and support, so that people aren't left wondering what to do with the health data they receive," he explained.
With this in mind, Dr Thornton has detailed some of the most common symptoms people may have, and the risks of Googling them.
Pain
We've all been guilty of googling a nagging pain at one point, but it's one of the most misunderstood ailments. An online search might suggest anything from trapped nerves to late-stage cancer, when in reality, a lot of pains could be temporary, mechanical, or stress-related.
‌
The danger is that people either panic unnecessarily or, conversely, dismiss persistent pain that could benefit from clinical attention. It'll be important to talk to your doctor about the context and history of your pain, as well as complete a physical examination to truly understand the pain puzzle, something that I don't think AI can offer yet!
Fatigue
If you're feeling more tired than usual, and type in a quick Google search, you might be alarmed to be presented with chronic fatigue syndrome, thyroid disorders, or even leukaemia. But the truth is, there are often lifestyle factors at play, whether it's poor sleep or diet, dehydration, stress, or even low iron. Before sending yourself into a spiral of anxiety, speaking to a doctor could help you uncover something that could be easily addressed.
Itchy skin
Google 'itchy skin' and you could be served with anything from liver disease, kidney failure or rare skin conditions. But most of the time, itching can be down to dry skin, allergies, or irritation. The risk with online searches is that people self-diagnose too early or panic before ruling out simple causes like soap sensitivity or winter dryness.
‌
Stomach aches
Stomach pain can mean anything from indigestion to appendicitis when you ask Google. And while some causes do require urgent care, the majority are due to diet, stress or hormonal changes. If stomach pain persists, a more thorough assessment can give you the health intelligence you need to deal with it.
Coughs
We've been trained to be very suspicious of coughs post-Covid, and this could be a good thing, as persistent coughs that last longer than three weeks could signal something worse. However, common culprits are viral illnesses. I often find that patients who have googled their coughs are keen for antibiotics, which could have significant long-term consequences when used inappropriately.
Rashes
Skin rashes can look alarming online, particularly when you're served hundreds of graphic images of serious rashes. Lots of rashes are harmless, particularly in younger adults. The biggest risk is either overreacting and fearing something serious like meningitis, or missing red flags because online advice has falsely reassured you.
‌
Stiff neck
A stiff neck can be scary, especially when a quick search brings up meningitis or spinal infections as top results. While these are serious conditions, they are also rare. Most cases of stiff neck are due to muscle strain, poor posture (sometimes ironically from poor tech hygiene!), or sleeping in an awkward position. It's important to assess things in context and avoid jumping to worst-case scenarios.
Headaches
Be honest, who hasn't googled a headache and feared the worst case scenario after a bad night? In reality, the vast majority of headaches are due to tension, dehydration, eye strain, or hormonal changes. Headache patterns, frequency, and associated symptoms are what matter most, and that needs professional input and health intelligence.
Eczema patches - usually on the back
Eczema can be really uncomfortable, so it's no wonder people are keen for answers, and are often told online that these patches can indicate autoimmune disorders of even skin cancer. Though uncomfortable, eczema is extremely common, particularly in young adults, and is often triggered by dry skin, allergens, stress, or even your clothing. Remember, online images look totally different on different body types and skin tones, so if you're truly concerned, a healthcare professional can help you piece together the eczema puzzle.
Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!