The abundance of medical information on the Internet has made self-diagnosis a common practice, especially in times of uncertainty about health status. Searching for symptoms online may seem like a quick fix, but it carries risks, especially for sufferers. illness anxiety disorder or hypochondria. Experts from Hospital Clinic Barcelona They warn that, instead of providing peace of mind, it tends to trigger worry.
Illness anxiety disorder, commonly known as hypochondria, is characterized by excessive and irrational worry about health. Those who suffer from it tend to interpret mild or normal symptoms as signs of serious illnesses, which keeps them constantly alert and attentive to any bodily sensations. Thus, searching the Internet for a minor symptom can quickly reinforce irrational beliefs: a simple query such as “headache and dizziness” can lead to unreliable information about serious conditions, such as tumors or neurological diseases, increasing distress and causing new consultations in search for clarity.
This phenomenon is known as cyberchondria, a term that describes hypochondria intensified by access to online medical information. Although it mainly affects those who are prone to anxiety, more and more people are suffering from this problem, especially in times of global health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In their attempt to alleviate the worry, the person becomes entangled in a cycle of continuous consultations that ends up amplifying the fear. In many cases, this increases anxiety symptoms and affects your overall well-being.
As online queries about symptoms increase, distrust of professional medical diagnoses grows, prompting people to seek more tests and make more consultations without achieving true peace of mind. Illness anxiety disorder is characterized by constant self-vigilance and fear, which often manifest in physical symptoms such as palpitations, muscle tension, or insomnia. These symptoms can be mistakenly interpreted as signs of the feared illness, thus reinforcing the cycle of anxiety.
In some cases, the persistent search for answers can lead to unnecessary testing and expose the patient to false positives or incidental findings that increase concern. Paradoxically, out of fear, some people choose to avoid a medical visit so as not to “confirm” the alarming diagnosis they have found online. In this way, they put their health at risk and delay the opportunity to receive professional care.
The experts at Hospital Clínic Barcelona emphasize the importance of prioritizing a medical consultation over searching for symptoms on the internet. A doctor is trained to evaluate symptoms in their clinical context, considering the patient’s history and avoiding the bias and scaremongering characteristic of online searches. Professional diagnosis not only rules out serious illnesses, but also provides peace of mind, something that is difficult to achieve through a screen.
For those suffering from illness anxiety disorder, psychological treatment, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, is highly effective. This therapy helps the person restructure catastrophic thoughts and gradually face their fears. In some cases, medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are also used, which help reduce anxiety levels. Professional support provides a more balanced view of the symptoms and allows the patient to regain trust in their bodily sensations, without falling into unnecessary alarms.
For those who feel the need to search for medical information online, it is crucial to turn to reliable sources, such as recognized medical institutions. Limiting search time and avoiding delving into serious or complex illnesses can help reduce anxiety. The Internet should be considered a tool that complements medical diagnosis, but does not replace it.
Recommendations for searching for medical information online:
– Use reliable sources: Prioritize portals from recognized health institutions and avoid unverified sites.
– Avoid delving deeper into symptoms: Limit your search to the essentials; do not investigate serious illnesses without a clear reason.
– Consultation to confirm, not to diagnose: The Internet is not a substitute for a doctor’s evaluation; Seek professional support to resolve your concerns.
– Take care of your mental health: Recognize that excess information can increase anxiety, especially in people with illness anxiety disorder.
– Trust the medical diagnosis: The in-context evaluation provided by a professional is key to correctly interpreting the symptoms.
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