Nowadays it is possible to find all kinds of information on the internet. There are many different health-themed websites, but have you ever wondered which one is really reliable? cyberchondriac individualswithout asking these questions, they internalize all the health information they read and worry about their own health.

Even though the information on the internet helps people discover their problems, sometimes people can be influenced too much by this information, causing their psyche to deteriorate. To better understand the distinction at this point, first: cyberchondria let’s see what it is.

What is cyberchondria?

Cyberchondria is the result of excessive searching for health information on the Internet. health problem it entails. People who exhibit cyberchondria behavior are also referred to as cyberchondria. In other words, if you are constantly researching your health on the internet and are concerned after reading these studies, you may be cyberchondriac. In addition, the fear caused by cyberchondria could lead to a new search for more health information.

Is Cyberchondria a Mental Illness?

Cyberchondria is seen as a pathology that can cause Internet addiction. However DSM-V It was unable to find a separate space within the criteria. For this reason, it is not possible to make a clear definition as a mental illness. Cyberchondria can be considered as a behavioral disorder that arises through the use of technology. also American Psychiatric Association has not made a clear statement as to whether cyberchondria is a psychological disease or not.

How do you know if you are cyberchondriac? Symptoms of Cyberchondria:

While there is nothing serious about the health status of cyberchondriac individuals like they have a problem they seem to perceive. Despite the normal course of their health, people can have serious concerns about their health.

Cyberchondria are constant health information online can call. That’s why they spend a lot of time online on the internet. Cyberchondriac individuals are trying to get information from doctors and experts on any subject. In fact, although what the experts say is easing the cyberchondria for a while, their anxious quest for health continues. Sometimes even cyberchondria It can also be suspicious of medical professionals. What experts say may not feel satisfying or sufficient for cyberchondria. Well, if you say what to do in this case, how is a cyberchondrial feature, then you need to understand it first.

Cyberchondria have some typical features. This one;

• Worrying about your health when you actually don’t have any symptoms.
• Spend hours searching online for information about minor health issues.
• Fear of having one or more diseases.
• What he reads on the internet worries him more than comforts him
• Fast heartbeat, sweating or anxiety when searching the internet
• Always thinking of the worst outcome for health
• Making important diagnoses of simple diseases and adding fear to worry
• To accept all information read on the Internet as true and the only truth.

What are the triggers of cyberchondria? What Causes Cyberchondria?

Many conditions, from trauma to chronic stress, can lead to cyberchondria. A fearful nature in general can cause cyberchondria. Generalized in 70% of cyberchondriac individuals to anxiety disorder found it. Apart from this, being more aware of bodily sensations than other people can activate cyberchondria. If there is someone in the family of cyberchondriacs who has had a serious illness, it may cause the person to worry about the illness.

How can we solve cyberchondria?

Being cyberchondriac, the person is in the first place without blaming themselves. consciously examining the situation can be recommended. Excessive searching for health information can be very limiting to a person’s daily life. Since this situation stems from people’s need to get out of their anxious mood and into a mood that they trust, it may be necessary to create an appropriate environment of trust for cyberchondriacs.

In other words, instead of looking for the confidence they need on the Internet, people look for a doctor, specialist or in their field. to someone who is a professional should try to reach them directly. Since cyberchondriac individuals may mistrust experts, it can be reassuring for cyberchondriac individuals to provide an environment of trust by providing detailed explanations to these individuals.

of healthcare professionals It is important to tell cyberchondriacs that they should not search every site on the Internet for information, but only read reliable sources. Cyberchondriacal people should only read reliable sources from health institutions rather than read health information from every source.

In this way, a control over the behavior of the cyberchondria can be achieved. The most important of all Cyberchondriac identifies what fear is causing the fear a person is in. In this way, the main emotion that causes fear can be discovered and the source of the problem can be reached to solve the problem.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4​