What is 'Idiot' Syndrome That's Troubling Doctors?

In this digital age, everyone uses the internet for medical information. This can lead to early diagnosis and prevention of a harmful condition. But on the other hand, it can obstruct the treatment. This is where the term “IDIOT syndrome” comes in.

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What is IDIOT Syndrome?

IDIOT syndrome stands for Internet Derived Information Obstruction Treatment. This is a recent phenomenon where a person blindly trusts the information provided on the internet and starts to self-medication. It is medically also termed as cyberchondria (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
A Breviloquent Review Article On "Idiot Syndrome"

Go to source).Dr. Google and the social media are increasingly becoming a substitute for the real doctor as the first port of call when someone is feeling unwell and this is triggering the IDIOT Syndrome.

The internet offers information overload which has advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that it increases awareness, but the disadvantage is that all the information published is not necessarily verified, accurate or replicable and some of it is misinformation.

This has been called infodemic. The WHO describes this infodemic ‘as too much information including false or misleading information in digital and physical environments during a disease outbreak. It causes confusion and risk-taking behaviours that can harm health. It also leads to mistrust in health authorities and undermines the public health response’.

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Too Much Of Googling is Bad For Health

It is very common for people to Google their symptoms and some will also self-medicate, making the situation more dangerous. People who are addicted to googling stuff rather than consulting a doctor would rather turn to the internet for every single issue.

In certain situation even as they reach the hospital to consult a doctor after their symptoms have gone worse, the patients refuse to divulge the medication they took! In countries like India where getting prescription medication is easy, doctors are holding their heads in horror.

Remember using Google, or other tools, can make you feel worse and increase your health anxiety. A Google search can also create a mess. You will see a list of possible symptoms on almost any website you look at.

And many of the symptoms are fairly common and will overlap with a lot of possible problems which may have nothing to do with you. But you get worried and even more sick (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Cyberchondria: Overlap with health anxiety and unique relations with impairment, quality of life, and service utilization

Go to source).

The other side effect of googling medical information is misinformation. If you Google COVID-19, you will find many such examples. For example, suggestions that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine might cure or prevent COVID haven’t been supported by medical research. This means these drugs are ineffective and can be dangerous due to side effects or even worsen the symptoms.

Another popular prevailing myth is about drinking bleach as a cure for a variety of problems. But bleach is incredibly dangerous and can lead to scarring of the food pipe.

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IDIOT Syndrome is Putting Pressure On Doctors

Amidst the explosion of technology, the expectations of the patients and their attendants have increased. Doctors are overwhelmed when people rush to the hospital with unrealistic expectations of doctors.

The pressure on doctors and nurses who work relentlessly without break is increasing day by day.

Given the pressure on doctors, they need to take care of their own health and many have faced issues with their health and are getting sick due to stress. Many have fallen sick and not returned to work, hence there is added shortage of skilled staff

Our advice is don’t get affected by the IDIOT syndrome. So stop becoming an IDIOT and consult a doctor rather than resorting to Dr. Google for every little health problem and starting self-medication.

References:

1. A Breviloquent Review Article On “Idiot Syndrome” - (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359392892_A_Breviloquent_Review_Artile_On_Idiot_Synrome)
2. Cyberchondria: Overlap with health anxiety and unique relations with impairment, quality of life, and service utilization - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29324396/#:~:text=Cyberchondria%20refers%20to%20a%20clinical,poses%20a%20unique%20public%20burden)

Source-Medindia