Yours: Dr Google and ‘Cyberchondria’
Dr Google and ‘Cyberchondria’
Yours magazine’s ‘feeling great’ health page looked at the dangers of using online resources for self-diagnosing health issues. Dr Ross Perry provided expert advice for the feature which was entitled:
“Doctor Google”
The feature questions whether it’s a good idea to use ‘doctor google’. With an estimated 1 in 4 Brits currently on a waiting list to see a GP, many people turn to the internet for advice on their symptoms. Over 100 million health related searches were made on google in the UK over a 12 month period, but health experts warn that it can cause undue concern. Dr Ross Perry, GP and founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, explained:
“When we have a health concern it can often be time-consuming to try to get a GP appointment so the natural instinct for many is to Google symptoms online then self-diagnose.
“You’re presented with a wealth of information on the internet which is often written by individuals who aren’t qualified and what they say can cause worry and distress.
“Occasionally patients can be correct in their findings but more often than not they’ve whipped themselves into a frenzy because of something misleading they’ve read.”
Cyberchondria
This new term refers to medical anxiety caused by self-diagnosing online instead of seeing a doctor.
Reliable Health Advice
The article suggested good sources for balanced, accurate information:
However, the article concluded:
“The best option is to try to see a health professional, but there is other help available if you can’t get a face-to-face appointment.”
- Phone appointments or e-appointments are available at some surgeries – ask at reception or check your practice’s website
- NHS 111 can direct you to the best resource 111.nhs.uk
- Local walk-in clinics are accessible without a pre-arranged appointment
Dr Ross Perry
Ross qualified at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital Medical School in 1994. His career includes NHS skin cancer reconstruction, work as a GP, as well as private cosmetic skin treatments.
He established Cosmedics Skin Clinics in 2003 and remains in charge as Medical Director. He is best known for dealing with unwanted skin lesions and blemishes (e.g. moles, cysts, warts skin tags) and natural-looking use of non-surgical cosmetic injections (BOTOX® Anti-Wrinkle Injections and Facial Fillers).
He regularly supplies expert comment for the media on a diverse range of health-related topics and has been featured on TV, radio, press and online.
Cosmedics Skin Clinics
Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical skin treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors. The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.
Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.
Call 020 7386 0464 or email info@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.
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