Neuroendocrinologist Yuri Poteshkin, who leads the Scientific Council of Atlas clinics, notes that some medical labels today are more about trend than truth. He cautions that certain fashionable diagnoses do not rest on solid medical criteria and can mislead patients. This perspective has circulated through agency reports that warn about quick, superficial conclusions in the medical information landscape. Poteshkin stresses that real clinical evaluation must go beyond buzzwords and online chatter to identify what a patient actually needs for accurate care.
Historically, the notion of adrenal fatigue syndrome first appeared on the website of a chiropractor and naturopath in the late 1990s and quickly spread across online platforms. The core claim was that chronic stress could erode adrenal function, leading to persistent tiredness and weakness. Over time, many online sources echoed and expanded this idea, sometimes without rigorous evidence or peer-reviewed confirmation. In today’s information environment, it can be difficult for patients to sift through competing narratives and separate plausible hypotheses from unsupported assertions.
The medical community, including Poteshkin, emphasizes that fatigue and weakness are common symptoms that can arise from a wide range of conditions. Importantly, there is no single, universally accepted diagnostic criterion for adrenal fatigue, which can lead to misinterpretations and misdiagnoses if relied on in isolation. This gap can hinder appropriate care, because underlying issues such as anemia, thyroid disorders, or even malignant processes may be overlooked if a preliminary label is accepted without further testing. In clinical practice, a careful history, targeted examinations, and appropriate laboratory studies are essential to disentangle the true cause of fatigue and ensure that treatment addresses the root problem rather than a guessed diagnosis.
Poteshkin also points to circulatory encephalopathy as another example of a diagnosis that lacks clear, evidence-based criteria. When medical labels are not anchored in solid diagnostic processes, patients may pursue unnecessary or ineffective interventions. Clinicians are urged to approach such terms with caution and to verify findings through objective assessments before proposing treatment plans. The aim is to prevent harm that can arise from premature conclusions and to protect patients from the risks associated with inappropriate therapies.
In the field of urogynecology and preventive medicine, specialists advise against self-diagnosis when symptoms such as severe pain, cramps during urination, or abdominal discomfort occur. Self-diagnosis, especially when guided by online information, can lead to inappropriate self-medication and delay in seeking professional evaluation. A careful clinical assessment is recommended to determine whether symptoms indicate a urinary tract infection, gynecological issue, or another condition that requires different management. The emphasis remains on consulting qualified clinicians who can perform the necessary examinations and order appropriate tests, rather than relying on self-diagnosis or online self-help resources.