Health anxiety, often categorised within the OCD spectrum, manifests as an obsessional preoccupation with the idea of having or developing a serious physical illness. Those affected might fixate on any type of disease, with cancer being a common example. Individuals with health anxiety frequently convince themselves that harmless physical symptoms indicate severe medical conditions. For instance, someone experiencing tightness in their chest may believe they are having a heart attack, misinterpreting physical symptoms of anxiety as signs of imminent health problems.
The internet, with its easy access to online health information, has exacerbated health anxiety, leading to a phenomenon known as “cyberchondria.” This term describes the escalation of anxiety due to excessive online health-related searches. While the internet has made medical information more accessible, it has also increased health anxiety by enabling individuals to self-diagnose and misinterpret their symptoms.
Search engines often amplify fears by suggesting worst-case scenarios when users input mild symptoms. This practice, while often rationalised as being cautious or thorough, does not improve medical outcomes and can actually heighten anxiety. For instance, a simple search for “headache” might yield results ranging from tension headaches to brain tumours, leading to unnecessary panic and stress.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, approximately 4-5% of people in the UK experience health anxiety at some point in their lives, a figure that may have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic, with its legitimate fears of catching COVID-19, isolation, and constant health news coverage, significantly fuelled health anxiety. The virus’s ability to spread asymptomatically and the aggressive pandemic management tactics adopted in many countries further exacerbated psychological distress.
It can be challenging to distinguish between normal health concerns and problematic health anxiety. Red flags include compulsive behaviours that interfere with daily life, such as obsessive symptom checking and frequent visits to doctors despite reassurances of good health.
To combat health anxiety and prevent falling into the trap of cyberchondria, consider the following strategies:
Seek professional guidance: If you have a serious health concern or ongoing medical condition, your GP should be your first stop. Consult with healthcare professionals for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Relying on a GP’s expertise can help alleviate unfounded fears and provide a clearer understanding of your health. Avoid using the internet for a second opinion, as it is not an adequate substitute for real medical expertise.
Limit online searches: When faced with a concerning symptom, it is natural to want answers quickly. However, be careful where you look for those answers online. Relying too heavily on unreliable internet sources can do more harm than good. Restrict yourself to reputable medical websites and resources approved by healthcare providers. Websites such as the NHS, Cancer Research UK, or Diabetes UK provide reliable information but should be used sparingly and sensibly. Be wary of websites trying to sell you products.
Beware of confirmation bias: We all have a tendency towards confirmation bias – interpreting new information as supporting our pre-existing beliefs or fears. The internet makes it easy to fall into this trap with health issues. If you search “Is a headache a sign of a brain tumour?”, you have already linked those two ideas in your mind. Your search results will mention brain tumours, making it easy to cherry-pick information confirming your worst fear, rather than learning about much more likely causes (such as dehydration).
Limit exposure to health news: Constant exposure to health news can increase anxiety levels. Set boundaries on how much time you spend consuming health-related news and information. For example, a quick glance at the MSN feed on my laptop just now revealed articles on ADHD signs in adult women, hypothyroidism, hypertension signs, mental health issues, and chronic fatigue syndrome, which can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing.
Support groups: Joining support groups, either in person or online, can provide a sense of community and shared understanding. Sharing experiences with others who face similar challenges can be reassuring and provide practical coping strategies. For those managing chronic illnesses, for example, online support groups can be wonderfully supportive spaces to share experiences. However, remember that anecdotes from others do not equal rigorous scientific evidence, and people often share worst-case scenarios that may not apply to your situation.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Engaging in mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help manage anxiety symptoms. Practices such as deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation can reduce overall stress and promote a sense of well-being.
Establish healthy routines: Maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and social connections. These routines can improve overall mental health and reduce anxiety.
Educate yourself about anxiety: Understanding that anxiety can cause physical symptoms can help you differentiate between anxiety-induced sensations and actual health issues. Education about health anxiety itself can demystify symptoms and reduce fear.
By adopting these strategies, you can manage health anxiety more effectively and reduce the impact of cyberchondria. It is important to remember that while the internet is a valuable resource for information, it should not replace professional medical advice and treatment. Balancing online information with professional guidance and self-care can lead to better health outcomes and improved mental well-being.
Links
The Internet Has Made Health Anxiety Worse Than Ever | TIME
What to Know About Health Anxiety | TIME
Health anxiety – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
The Vicious Cycle of Health Anxiety | Psychology Today
Key-Facts-and-Figures-2020.pdf (anxietyuk.org.uk)
Anxiety: statistics | Mental Health Foundation
How online searches fuel health anxiety: Investigating the link between health-related searches, health anxiety, and future intention – ScienceDirect
Online health research and health anxiety: A systematic review and conceptual integration – Brown – 2020 – Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice – Wiley Online Library
