Experts are cautioning about a modern phenomenon known as ‘cyberchondria’, a condition triggered by excessive internet use that could have serious implications for the British population. This trend stems from the ease of self-diagnosing online, often referred to as consulting ‘Dr. Google’. Similar to hypochondria, which involves constant health-related anxiety even in the absence of a real health issue, cyberchondria results from an unhealthy fixation on health matters that escalates into anxiety.
Recent data indicates that in 2023, British adults conducted close to 50 million health-related searches on Google alone. Alarmingly, research shows that two out of five individuals end up diagnosing themselves with severe illnesses after researching their symptoms online.
While being vigilant about health can be beneficial for early disease detection, experts highlight a significant drawback. Health anxiety, a condition estimated to cost the NHS over £420 million annually, can become debilitating or even life-threatening if left unchecked.
Mark Burdon, a pharmacist and advisor to the Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB), emphasized the challenges posed by cyberchondria. He explained that the excessive search for health information online can lead individuals to mistakenly believe minor issues like headaches are indicators of severe conditions like brain tumors or heart attacks.
Professor David Veale, a consultant psychiatrist in London, expressed concerns about the ease of accessing vast health information online. He noted that the abundance of information can often be ambiguous, fueling further doubts and anxieties.
While cyberchondria is not yet officially recognized as a medical condition, researchers are increasingly acknowledging its significance. Studies have linked cyberchondria to functional impairment and increased healthcare utilization, posing a potential public health burden.
Particularly vulnerable to cyberchondria are individuals diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). A comprehensive review in 2023 raised questions about categorizing excessive symptom searching as a behavioral addiction akin to gambling or shopping.
A 2020 study published in Comprehensive Psychiatry analyzed numerous reports worldwide, warning of the escalating public health impact of cyberchondria due to the widespread use of the internet. Notably, ‘cyberchondria’ was identified as a key factor driving young people to seek medical care for minor conditions that could have been managed at home.
Research by the PAGB revealed that younger generations, particularly Gen Zs and millennials, are three times more likely than older age groups to seek medical attention for minor health issues. Trust in social media was cited as a contributing factor to the rise of cyberchondria among young adults.
Furthermore, the report highlighted a decline in Britons’ confidence in self-care for common ailments over the years. The percentage of people feeling capable of self-treating a common cold decreased from 81% in 2023 to 63% in 2025. Notably, one in ten individuals admitted they would visit A&E for minor health concerns, indicating a gap between self-care intentions and actual actions.
To address these concerns, the PAGB recommended public awareness campaigns focused on promoting self-care practices and healthcare pathways. Initiatives like these are crucial to enhancing public understanding and encouraging appropriate healthcare decision-making.
