Dangers of AI diagnosis: Expert warnings on self-medication

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TURKIYE

Dr. Giunel Mamedova, an Internal Medicine Specialist at Camlica Erdem Hospital, warns that the increasing trend of patients using artificial intelligence to interpret blood tests and decide on treatments presents life-threatening risks to public health.

As access to health information becomes easier through digital platforms, doctors are reporting a surge in patients who bypass professional medical consultations in favor of AI-generated advice. Dr. Mamedova emphasizes that while AI can be a supportive tool for healthcare professionals, its use by laypeople to initiate medication based on limited data—such as "borderline" laboratory values—is a dangerous practice that often leads to incorrect diagnoses and harmful side effects.

The inadequacy of blood tests in isolation

A medical decision to start a treatment cannot be made simply by looking at numbers on a laboratory report. Dr. Mamedova explains that medical evaluation is a multi-layered process that requires a holistic understanding of the patient's unique biological profile.

"A treatment plan is not decided solely by the figures in a blood test," Mamedova stated. "Even if certain values appear within normal ranges, factors such as the patient's age, family history, accompanying chronic illnesses, current medications, and overall risk profile directly influence the therapeutic process. This is why two patients with nearly identical laboratory results may receive entirely different treatments under professional supervision."

Risks of misinterpretation and incorrect medication

The most common consequence of relying on AI or internet-based medical interpretations is the misuse of medications. Dr. Giunel Mamedova noted that starting the wrong drug can exacerbate existing complaints and trigger new, severe health complications. A frequent example of this is the unnecessary use of antibiotics for viral infections, which is often mistakenly suggested by non-professional digital searches.

Dr. Mamedova issued a stark warning regarding self-prescribing: "Medications started through incorrect evaluations can increase symptoms rather than alleviate them and, in some cases, cause serious organ damage. Furthermore, when patients fail to report their current medications to a physician, the risk of duplicate dosing or fatal drug interactions increases significantly if they follow AI-suggested supplements or drugs."

Holistic approach: Treating the patient, not the disease

In modern medicine, the fundamental approach is holistic, involving a combination of physical examinations, vital signs, detailed medical histories, and family genetics alongside laboratory data. Dr. Mamedova emphasizes the core principle that "there are no diseases, only patients," meaning every case is unique and requires human judgment.

While AI is not entirely excluded from the medical field, it is intended to function as a decision-support tool for doctors rather than a diagnostic replacement for the public. Using AI to bypass a physician's expertise creates a significant safety gap in patient care.

Expert guidelines for digital health information

To navigate the sea of digital health information safely, Dr. Giunel Mamedova provides the following critical warnings:

• Lab results are not diagnoses: Blood test results alone are never sufficient to make a final treatment decision.

• Avoid digital prescriptions: Never start any medication or supplement based solely on AI or internet-sourced information.

• Seek professional help for persistent symptoms: If complaints continue or worsen, immediate clinical evaluation is required.

• Transparency with doctors: Inform your healthcare provider about every medication and supplement you use to prevent dangerous interactions.

Dr. Mamedova concluded by stressing that early and accurate evaluation by a specialist can prevent many serious health problems. "Instead of trusting an algorithm for your prescription, consult a doctor. Human expertise remains the only safe path to recovery," she added.

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