
When Google becomes your Doctor: the risks of self-diagnosis
Health professionals worry even more with the modern society in which Google has become a great competitor of medicine
A recent video featuring psychiatrist Dr. Steven Storage sheds light on the complexities of self-diagnosis in mental health, a practice increasingly common in the digital age. Dr. Storage highlights that while self-diagnosis can be an empowering first step for individuals to understand their symptoms, it should not be the final one. According to Dr. Storage, the primary pitfall of self-diagnosis lies in inherent personal biases. "I don't ever diagnose myself with anything, or people who are very, very close to me, because I know that I'm bringing in my own bias," he stated. This bias, he explains, can lead individuals to either overlook certain symptoms or over-prioritize others, preventing an objective assessment. He emphasizes the difficulty of maintaining objectivity when evaluating one's own mental state. Instead, Dr. Storage advises individuals to use self-researched information as a foundation for discussion with a trusted mental health professional. He stresses the importance of finding a psychiatrist or therapist who actively listens and values the information brought to the table. "If you have a psychiatrist or a therapist who doesn't seem to be listening, who isn't valuing the things that you're bringing to the table, then it's probably a good idea to find someone else," he concluded, underscoring the need for a collaborative and objective diagnostic process.
Health professionals worry even more with the modern society in which Google has become a great competitor of medicine