If the internet has become your backup doctor, a place you always to turn when you need to diagnose your aches and pains, you may be at risk for cyberchondria.
While not an official medical term, cyberchondria is how some experts describe the fears and anxiety prompted by internet searches of common health symptoms.
Researchers at Microsoft analyzed hundreds of thousands of web searches on Windows Live Search and MSN Health and Fitness. In addition, they surveyed approximately 500 of Microsoft employees.
The study found 20-percent of web searches for basic conditions often led to a review of a serious illness. In addition, people searching the word "headache" were just as likely to find web pages describing brain cancer as they were to find web pages on caffeine withdrawal - the most likely cause of headache pain.
Nearly 25-percent of those surveyed said their web search even "put them over the edge", and they made a doctor's appointment.
While credible websites can provide helpful medical advice, researchers recommend searching out websites that have a "Health on the Net" (HON) seal located at the bottom of the web page.
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