A Look into Cyberchondria: Using the Internet to Diagnose Your Health Symptoms

Too much time spend awkwardly bend over a keyboard, straining over less-than-optimal text on a glaring computer screen can cause things like eyestrain and repetitive use injuries. And the term "cyber sickness" usually pertains to computer viruses running rampant jeopardizing information security. But this in no way affects our physical health. So how can surfing the Internet make you sick?

Consider this; the Internet is a pure informational gold mind! You can look up practically anything and get immediate gratification to satisfy curiosities or calm suspicions. But what if you have an abnormal anxiety regarding your health?

Commonly known as Hypochondriasis or Hypochondria, the Internet has paved the way for its twenty-first century counterpart - Cyberchondria!

The availability of health information plastered all over the Internet has made it easier for those who worry over illnesses or tend to exaggerate symptoms to justify their fears. A common headache now becomes a brain tumor or a simple upset stomach becomes un-curable cancer!

Hypochondria and Cyberchondria are devastating obsessions causing obvious distress to those who suffer from it. These people are not fakers or malingerers - they honestly believe they suffer from life-threatening diseases or disorders!

The trouble starts with the amount of information found on the Net, which provides no scientific validity! Cyberchondriacs view any source of information, from old wives tales to comments from a friend or relative to articles posted on the Internet by complete strangers with no medical background as legitimate, regardless of the lack of medical proof.

Frequently a symptom of an anxiety disorder or depression, anyone can be stricken with Cyberchondrosis. Normally it develops in the twenties or thirties and often follows the illness of a close family member or friend however, an illness in the family is not a prerequisite.

This obsession of serious medical problems begins to interfere with daily routines. And the quest for justification cost millions in unnecessary medical tests and treatments every year!

This disorder causes its sufferers to become obsessively aware of common sensations most people often ignore. These complaints become a central part of their personalities, as he/she honestly believes they are always a serious threat to their overall well-being.

Cyberchondriacs tend to concentrate on hard-to-diagnose, vague symptoms, such as fatigue, general muscle aches and strange physical sensations. And surfing the Net provides validation, especially when his/her primary physician may dismiss worries or simply not supply a diagnosis that soothes the anxiety. He/she believes it is something more than a tension headache or a nervous stomach, so they attempt to self-diagnose or second-guess the findings of a qualified medical professional.

Hypochondriacs and Cyberchondriacs are not liars! They may indeed suffer from some disorder, but more than likely it is not the life-threatening disease they fear! However, compulsive health concerns brought about by anxiety disorders and depression are serious medical conditions and should not be ignored.

And though a "normal" healthy individual may view this strange obsession as attention seeking or simply a gross exaggeration, the Cyberchondriac truly feels he/she is deathly ill!

But, there is hope for Cyberchondriacs! The first step is to find a trusted medical professional sympathetic to your claims, because real or imagined, you may need help! Often, a low dose antidepressant is helpful to curb anxieties. Cognitive behavioral psychotherapy can also assist in changing responses to anxiety, thus calming the nerves and alleviating symptoms. Always discuss all options and be open to less-than-traditional treatment venues.

Learn to relax. Stress only intensifies symptoms, creating a vicious cycle of sickness. It is important to understand and accept that not every ache and pain is a sign of some terrible disease. But it is also just as important to never ignore your symptoms. Seeking alternative ways to cope with anxieties and depression can improve your quality of life and lessen complaints of physical illness.

But the primary way to curb Cyberchondrosis? Realize that not all the information found on your Internet search is medically valid! While many sites provide helpful information once a proper diagnosis has been made, self-diagnosing is never a good idea. Only search websites known for their reliability and always discuss the findings with your physician who has the medical background to assure you most of your concerns may be unfounded!

Whether you suffer from traditional Hypochondria or Internet-driven Cyberchondria, the stress of thinking you have some debilitating disease can ruin your life. Stress is a very real health concern in today's chaotic world. Seeking help should never be seen as an embarrassment - let's face it; we all could use a little reassuring guidance now and again!