- Use trusted, health-focused sites
- Be aware of bias
- Don't let repeated searches increase fear
- See a doctor if you cannot stop worrying
Friday, December 19, 2008
Cyperchondriacs
Many people are turning to online search engines rather than professionals when they get sick. These web searches usually exaggerate the results, and leave people scared that they are developing a serious, and usually rare, disease. Availability bias occurs, in this case, when very rare medical conditions are believed to be more common than they actually are. Hypochondriasis is actually quite rare (only 5% of the poppulation), but these web searches are causing anxiety in increasingly large numbers. Experts recognize the potential usefulness of these websites, and suggest some tips for reducing anxiety.
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3 comments:
I wish more people were aware of the increasing numbers of those who turn to web sites to self-diagnose. :o Great blog!
i think that websites can help, but i also think that a doctor is always better. however, there are also people who are antibiotic junkies who seek medicine for every little think wrong with the, because they go to the doctor so much. i didnt know that the opposite of this was such a problem though.
Good job man! School for psychology courses in Manila
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