Are you a cyberchondriac?

With our smartphones always on hand, it sometimes feels as though a diagnosis is simply a Google search away.

But if you’ve ever googled ‘persistent headache’ or ‘niggling cough’ and been confronted with the possibility it may be a sign of a life-threatening illness, you’ll know why Dr Google isn’t always helpful.

Australians are spending more time online than ever before. In fact, the latest Medibank Better Health Index shows 18-49 year olds are spending an average of 26.5 hours a week online. And a 2014 Royal Australian College of General Practitioners survey, almost half (44%) of all internet users surveyed sought health information online at some time in the month before.

From symptom checkers, to the latest in treatment, it’s now instinct for many of us to turn to the internet for health information and self-help. But is it hurting or helping us?

The rise of cyberchondria

With a myriad of health advice now available at our fingertips, we’re seeing an emergence of a brand new phenomenom - cyberchondria.

Cyberchondria is a term coined to describe certain symptoms of hypochondria associated with the internet^1, for example worrying about having a disease after reading about it on the internet, or searching for hours about diseases and symptoms.

With serious health conditions like cancer showing up in health information on a regular basis, it’s not surprising that the internet can trigger anxiety or worry about your health. It’s one of many good reasons a trusted health professional, like your GP, should be your first port of call.

READ MORE: Am I just worried? Or is it anxiety?

Putting your health in the hands of the internet

We’re all guilty of Googling symptoms from time to time. And we may think a quick online search will save us time and money. But studies suggest that self-diagnosis via symptom checker sites could be doing us more harm than good.

It should come as no surprise that symptom checker sites can be inconsistent and even incorrect with their diagnoses. In fact, a 2015 study published in the British Medical Journal confirmed that merely a third of symptom checkers came back with the correct diagnosis, and only half included the right diagnosis in their top three suggestions².

READ MORE: Can social media ruin your social life?

Can Dr Google help sometimes?

With many of us turning to the internet as our first port of call, the news isn’t all bad. A recent study published in the Medical Journal of Australia examined the experience of patients who had googled symptoms before presenting to two large emergency departments in Melbourne³.

While the study found that searching for information online increased some patients’ level of anxiety, it also helped to improve communication between doctors and patients. With study participants reporting they felt they could ask more informed questions, understand their doctor and communicate effectively.

Commenting on the topic, Medibank Clinical Director Dr Sue Abhary, said that while we all need to be actively engaged in managing our health, it’s important you don’t replace a proper diagnosis from Dr Google with one from a health professional.

“There is some really good health information available online but not all sources are high quality or reliable. It’s worth carefully considering who authored the information. You also need to be careful that you aren’t misinterpreting information, or just considering the worst possible diagnosis.

The best step is to go to your GP with any information and concerns you have. Then together you can discuss your symptoms and health needs and decide on the best course of treatment.”