Checking symptoms online leading to growing levels of ‘cyberchondria’

Checking your symptoms online rather than visiting the family doctor is leading to growing levels of “cyberchondria” — where patients believe themselves to be far sicker than they actually are.

Checking symptoms online leading to growing levels of ‘cyberchondria’

That was the stark warning issued by Dublin-based GP Mark Murphy during a workshop on mobile health, telemedicine and patient confidentiality at the Irish Medical Organisation’s AGM in Sligo.

Dr Murphy described cyberchondria as “a deep-rooted anxiety” in the patient fuelled by a heightened perception that they are ill having googled their symptoms.

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