self-treatment
Doctoring yourself alone
Self-treatment is managing a medical condition or health problem without professional help.
It ranges from taking over-the-counter medications for a cold to more questionable practices like adjusting prescription dosages or treating serious symptoms at home: She relied on self-treatment for her anxiety rather than seeing a therapist.
The term often carries a note of caution—what begins as self-treatment may delay necessary care.
Incorrect identification of ailment
- overdoseHarmful excess intake
- delayEnforced waiting period
- side-effectsSecondary, unintended outcomes
- contraindicationReason to avoid treatment
complications · addiction · dependence · resistance · toxicity · withdrawal
Buyable without medical authorization
- compressReduce volume by force
- tinctureHerb steeped in alcohol
- poulticeMoist healing application
- salveTopical healing preparation
ointment · supplements · vitamins · fasting · hydrotherapy · aromatherapy · acupressure · rest
Focused attention practice
- yogaMind-body exercise discipline
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
- relaxationState of being unwound
- journalingRegular personal writing practice
stretching · hydration · nutrition · exercise · ayurveda · tai-chi · cupping · moxibustion
Measured medicine amount
- regimenPrescribed course of treatment
- adherenceFaithful following of something
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- routineRegular sequence of actions
Practices maintaining cleanliness
- handwashingCleaning palms with soap
- sanitationCleanliness for public health
- disinfectionEliminating pathogens from surfaces
- vaccinationAdministered immunity booster
immunization · prophylaxis · screening · antiseptic · quarantine · isolation
misdiagnosis
Incorrect identification of ailment
- overdoseHarmful excess intake
- delayEnforced waiting period
- side-effectsSecondary, unintended outcomes
contraindication · complications · addiction · dependence · resistance · toxicity · withdrawal
over-the-counter
Buyable without medical authorization
salve · ointment · supplements · vitamins · fasting · hydrotherapy · aromatherapy · acupressure · rest · ice
meditation
Focused attention practice
- yogaMind-body exercise discipline
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
- relaxationState of being unwound
journaling · stretching · hydration · nutrition · exercise · ayurveda · tai-chi · cupping · moxibustion
dosage
Measured medicine amount
- regimenPrescribed course of treatment
- adherenceFaithful following of something
- complianceAdhering to requirements
empowerment
Gaining authority or confidence
- independenceFreedom from external control
- agencyPower to act
hygiene
Practices maintaining cleanliness
- handwashingCleaning palms with soap
- sanitationCleanliness for public health
- disinfectionEliminating pathogens from surfaces
vaccination · immunization · prophylaxis · screening · antiseptic · quarantine · isolation
self-treatmentclinical treatment
Healthcare for a condition
nursing care · managed care · medical treatment · medical care · hospital care
self-treatmenthospitalization
Formal entry into medical care
inpatient care · hospital treatment · institutional care · outpatient care · surgery
treat, self, retreat, treatment, selfless, treatments, selfhood, self-help, self-care