Wellness & Fitness

Internet takes over as the ‘first’ doctor in world

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Internet takes over as the ‘first’ doctor in world. FILE PHOTO | NMG

“A growing number of patients are turning to the internet for medical remedies, what does this indicate?”

Early last year, we saw a 32-year-old student who told us that he had checked the internet and had confirmed that he had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression. In his view, all he wanted from us was treatment.

A number of problems then arose. The first was that his parents did not believe that he had any condition that required treatment. In their old fashioned way, they tried to persuade their son to “pull himself together” be a man and deal with his emotional problems.

His father, a well-respected lawyer was the first to offer his learned opinion. He spoke of his days at university and how all young men and women must struggle through institutions of higher learning as a way of preparation for future difficulties in the real world.

His mother in support of her husband told her son how one must lead a Christian life, pray and all would be fine. She cited many examples of friends and relatives who had gone through exactly the same type of problems and who had, through prayer, been able to overcome all these problems.

On account of this advice, the family was unable to support the young man in his search for help. He did not give up. He kept sending messages to his parents on the subject of ADHD and depression which they mostly ignored.

One day, his life changed. One of his closest friends was admitted to hospital after a serious attempt at suicide. The two boys had grown up together; their parents were friends and went to the same church. Their views on “these modern diseases” were the same. All young men needed was to be real men, and to pray.

Back in the hospital, things took a turn for the worse and the young student who had attempted suicide remained in intensive care for several weeks. It was during this time of great distress to the community that parents went back to the messages they had received from their son. Many were links to websites that described depression and its complications (including attempted suicide).

As the parents took greater interest in the condition of their neighbour’s son, they began to see the behavioural similarities between the two boys. Both had brilliant academic credentials in primary school, both passed well in Form Four exams, but had gone through serious discipline problems.

At the age of 23, the pair had serious problems at university. They had changed courses three times and were drinking heavily. Their relationship with their parents was getting worse, in part because all they did was stay in their filthy rooms, watch TV all day and smoke Cannabis. They were bad boys who were bringing shame to good families. The internet was blamed for bringing “western ideas” to our country.

Eventually the boy in ICU got better and was treated for ADHD and depression. In time, he was able to persuade his friend’s parents that depression is a serious medical condition that could have killed him. He took them through the various websites that he was aware of and they became aware of their ignorance.

Whether one is looking for a bargain for a pair of shoes, or even the quickest route home away from traffic, the internet is the first thing many people turn to.

That a growing number of patients are turning to the internet for medical remedies is a sign that we have formally entered the 21st Century. The doctor is no longer next to God in knowledge and wisdom.

An informed patient is likely to play a positive role in his own care plan. Long gone are the days when patients refused to go home from a doctor’s visit without an injection.

In today’s world, the patient is likely to ask the doctor to justify the use of injectable route. He might even point out the World Health Organisation guidelines on the use of injections!

The world is flat with regard to availability of information. The patient has taken charge and control of his health matters. Often the patient is ahead of some doctors who do not keep up with new knowledge!

The 21st Century is here!