Self-prescribed

Describing a treatment, medication, therapy, or course of action that an individual chooses for themselves without the guidance or approval of a qualified healthcare professional or, in some cases, a relevant authority. This often involves the independent diagnosis of a condition, or the assumption of a condition, and subsequently selecting and administering a remedy based on personal judgment, research, or the advice of non-professionals. The practice can range from using over-the-counter medications inappropriately to adopting unproven or potentially harmful therapies. The risks associated with self-prescribing include incorrect diagnosis, dosage errors, adverse drug interactions, masking of underlying serious conditions, and delayed or inadequate treatment.

Self-prescribed meaning with examples

• After reading online articles, Sarah believed she had a vitamin deficiency. Without consulting a doctor, she began a regimen of high-dose supplements, a classic case of self-prescribed treatment. This decision, based solely on her interpretation of online information, could lead to side effects or mask symptoms of a more serious issue. The potential risks and benefits of her course of action were never assessed by a healthcare professional.
• John, experiencing back pain, chose a self-prescribed course of physical therapy exercises found on a fitness blog. Ignoring his doctor's advice to undergo an MRI for a proper diagnosis, he diligently performed the exercises. The lack of professional guidance and personalized assessment could exacerbate his condition, especially since the source of the pain wasn't properly identified, leading to increased pain and potential damage.
• Feeling stressed, Emily began taking an herbal supplement she saw advertised, a self-prescribed approach to managing her anxiety. She didn't research potential interactions with her existing medication. Without medical advice, she may experience unintended effects, allergic reactions, or delays in getting the appropriate treatment for her anxiety. Her choice could even make her condition worse.
• Following a severe cold, Mark self-prescribed a course of antibiotics, left over from a previous prescription. Because antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections, and can contribute to antibiotic resistance, it would be beneficial to consult a doctor about your concerns. His self-prescribed course of action highlights the potential dangers of misdiagnosis and incorrect medical use, and the impact on wider public health concerns.
• Instead of seeing a dentist about his toothache, David attempted a self-prescribed treatment plan of pain killers and salt water rinses. Unwilling to go the doctor, he postponed addressing the issue, while increasing his risk of an untreated infection. The lack of professional diagnosis and the ongoing avoidance led to prolonged suffering and ultimately a more complex and costly dental intervention.