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How to Handle Patients Who Self-Diagnose



With the advent of technology, people are reaching out to Google to get an answer for just about anything. The world of the internet feels tempting, as it is able to quickly resolve any query that a person may have. However when it comes to medical conditions, this may not always be true. People often choose the self-diagnosing path to avoid seeing a doctor. However, self-diagnosing yourself over the internet can do more harm than good. 

People who self-diagnose assume that they know the details the diagnosis constitutes. But they do not know that this process can be very dangerous as they can miss nuances of the diagnosis. For instance, people with mood-swings often feel that they are suffering from bipolar disorder, however the symptoms can be a part of another condition entirely. 

Related: Where do Registered Nurses Work?


Another danger of self-diagnosing diseases, is that you may neglect medical conditions that subterfuge other diseases. Thus, if you are suffering from one condition, you may miss the diagnosis of another. If you start treating the disorder with over-the-counter drugs, you might completely overlook the medical syndrome. 

Self-diagnosing a disease undermines the role of the doctor. It is important that you trust your doctor, and if you are not able to do so, try changing doctors, but avoid self-diagnosis. You should have an active discussion with your doctor and if you are unsure about the their diagnosis, seek the opinion of another doctor. 

One of the greatest dangers of self-diagnosing is that patients often end up thinking they are sicker than they actually are. Eventually, you make things worse by worrying about something that doesn't even exist. Self-diagnosis usually occurs when you are in a state of denial, and don’t want to walk up to a doctor to get the right diagnosis. 

Communication is Important
Communication is key to a good relationship. If a patient has diagnosed their symptoms incorrectly, make sure you approach the situation delicately. Acknowledge the effort he has put into it, and help them diagnose the disease correctly, educating them on various diagnosing techniques related to the disease they suffer from.

Related: The Best Ways to Relieve Stress on the Job

Never come across with patients as dismissive and arrogant, rather talk to them politely and help them understand your point. By tackling the situation with understanding, you can develop a great rapport with patients and increase trust. 

Pass on the Right Information
As a nurse, it is your duty to pass on the right information to your patients. On average, people generally spend one week per month seeking medical information, thus we are becoming more educationally equipped to take care of our health. However, erroneous diagnoses are attributed to non-medically trained individuals, causing lapses in judgement related to the condition.

As a nurse, you should not only help patients diagnose their problem but should also educate them. Talk to them about the danger of self-diagnosing. Medical practitioners should work in the best interest of the patients. Being knowledgeable in the field, doctors and nurses should listen to the patients, and work in tandem with them to make sure the best advice and medications are prescribed.

Related: The International Nurses Association is pleased to welcome Jacqueline Jane Clason, RN, Ba App Sc-Nursing, CM to their prestigious organization with her upcoming publication in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare


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