Wednesday, 31 January 2024 | MANSI BHAMBRI I DEHRADUN
People should refrain from relying on Google or any application as a source of actionable information, particularly when it comes to health advice, experts said. They said this in light of a recent case in Dehradun wherein a young man killed his mother after suspecting her of poisoning him after reading online that slow poisoning could be one of the probable causes of stomach ulcers.
According to the clinical psychologist Dr Pratibha Sharma the son may be experiencing symptoms of a paranoid condition, which is seen in cases of personality disorder. She said that individuals with this disorder tend to make unfounded assumptions and have a fear of death. The presence of this disorder can be detrimental to both the individual and those around them. To prevent the worsening of this disorder, counselling and proper treatment are of utmost importance. If any family member or parent notices a change in their child’s behaviour such as sleep disturbances and restlessness, it is advisable to seek assistance from a psychologist.
“In today’s society, the influence of Google has significantly altered people’s perceptions. Google does not always provide accurate information, which can have adverse effects on individuals suffering from a paranoid disorder, leading them to engage in risky activities. Considering recent incidents, it is advisable for people to refrain from consulting online platforms for health-related issues as they often provide incorrect information,” Sharma said.
She further said parents must take adolescents to a doctor as the treatment and medication options for such conditions have changed over time.
Talking to The Pioneer, neuropsychologist Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta that considering the recent incident, timely treatment could have prevented such an unfortunate incident from occurring. “Individuals must not rely on information from Google, as it can provide incorrect information and cannot replace a doctor. Additionally, counselling is recommended for individuals with such disorders, as the treatment methods have evolved and no longer rely solely on shock therapy,” Gupta said.
She further urged parents not to indulge in conflict with their children and to change their parenting style following the recent incident in Dehradun.
