Online Health Information Searches May Increase Stress In Some People.

HealthDay (10/11, Preidt) reports that, according to the results of a 512-participant study published online in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, an erroneous belief that people “suffer from a serious disease (hypochondria) can worsen as they scour the Internet in an attempt to pinpoint symptoms.” The study’s lead author explained that “persistent fear about having a disease can trigger worries about potential medical bills, disability and job loss, which can lead to even more Internet searching…unnecessary medical tests and stress,” and visits to physicians.

Related Links:

— “Too Much Online Health Info May Worsen Worriers’ Anxiety, “Robert Preidt, HealthDay, October 10, 2013.

Posted in In The News.