Over 25% of Americans admit to lying to doctors for antibiotics, study finds

Survey reveals widespread misrepresentation

A study published in JAMA Network Open by researchers at the University of Utah and other institutions found that 28% of Americans surveyed admitted to misrepresenting their symptoms to doctors to secure antibiotics. The survey, conducted in partnership with Dynata, highlights a significant gap in patient-doctor communication regarding antibiotic use.

Of those who admitted to lying, 40% exaggerated the severity or duration of their illness, while 7% invented symptoms entirely. Another 53% combined both tactics. Researchers noted that these behaviors contribute to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, which can lead to side effects and complications like Clostridioides difficile infections.

Reasons and risks behind the lies

The most common motivations for misrepresenting symptoms were a belief that antibiotics would be effective, a desire to return to work or other responsibilities quickly, and a preference for autonomy in medical treatment. Younger adults, particularly those aged 18 to 33, were more likely to engage in this behavior, as were individuals who felt their symptoms were not taken seriously by doctors or who doubted the reality of antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic resistance remains a critical public health threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug-resistant infections kill approximately 50,000 Americans annually. Globally, deaths from such infections could exceed those caused by cancer by 2050 if current trends continue. Antibiotics are frequently overprescribed for viral infections, which they cannot treat, further exacerbating the problem.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

This study reveals a troubling disconnect between patient behavior and public health priorities. For founders and operators in digital health, telemedicine, or patient education, the findings signal an opportunity to address misinformation and improve communication tools. Startups working on antimicrobial stewardship platforms or AI-driven diagnostic aids could leverage these insights to design interventions that educate patients and support clinicians in making evidence-based prescribing decisions. The data also reinforces the urgency for healthcare systems to invest in systems that reduce overprescription while maintaining patient trust.

Key takeaways

• Antibiotic resistance is exacerbated by patient misrepresentation, which leads to unnecessary prescriptions.
• Younger adults and those skeptical of antibiotic resistance are more likely to lie to obtain antibiotics.
• Overprescription for viral infections remains a systemic issue, highlighting gaps in clinician-patient communication.
• Digital health solutions could play a role in educating patients and reducing antibiotic misuse.

Related on Lazyfounder

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