Christiane Eichenberg|Markus Schott
Use of Web-Based Health Services in Individuals With and Without Symptoms of Hypochondria: Survey Study
Sigmund Freud University Vienna|Sigmund Freud University Vienna
background increasing number people consult physicians distressing information found online cyberchondria refers phenomenon health anxiety online health information objective study aimed examine online health research individuals without symptoms hypochondria impact health anxiety well behavior methods online survey conducted demographic data healthrelated internet use general health behavior assessed illness attitude scale used record symptoms hypochondria results final sample consisted n471 participants 40 188471 participants showed least symptoms hypochondria participants symptoms hypochondria used internet frequently healthrelated purposes also frequented online services individuals without symptoms online health services rated reliable individuals symptoms hypochondria changes behavior doctor hopping ordering nonprescribed medicine online considered likely individuals symptoms hypochondria conclusions results show individuals symptoms hypochondria turn online research result lacking alternatives rather consult health services well offline