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How does cyberchondria affect mental health?
Previous studies indicated that cyberchondria, i.e., the repeated online search for medical information, exacerbates health anxiety. The present research investigated the effect of two opposing traits, optimism and neuroticism, on cyberchondria during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How do I get rid of cyberchondria?
There are steps you can take to manage cyberchondria.
- Schedule routine checkups.
- Live a healthy lifestyle.
- Practice meditation to reduce anxiety.
- Get a health care provider’s opinion.
- Limit online searches.
- Check in with your mental health.
Why is cyberchondria bad?
Not only can the Internet provide conflicting, ambiguous or wrong information on the subject of the search, but it can be distracting and lead to other, potentially anxiety-amplifying information (e.g., information about hitherto unknown diseases or health risks).
Is hypochondria a form of mental illness?
Illness anxiety disorder is a chronic mental illness previously known as hypochondria. People with this disorder have a persistent fear that they have a serious or life-threatening illness despite few or no symptoms.
Who is a Cyberchondriac?
A cyberchondriac is a person who compulsively searches the Internet for information about real or imagined symptoms of illness.
What do you call someone who diagnoses themselves?
Munchausen syndrome (also known as factitious disorder) is a rare type of mental disorder in which a person fakes illness. The person may lie about symptoms, make themselves appear sick, or make themselves purposely unwell.
Do I have cyberchondria?
What are the symptoms of cyberchondria? One major sign is an excessive amount of time looking for information on the Internet. Some cyberchondriacs spend one to three hours a day online looking for health information. It becomes an obsession that takes a lot of their time and causes them great anxiety.
Can overthinking make symptoms worse?
When physical symptoms are triggered or made worse by worrying, it causes even more anxiety, which just worsens the symptoms. Excessive worrying can also lead to panic attacks or even depression. Health anxiety is a vicious circle in other ways, too.
Do I have Cyberchondria?