Utilizing the internet for a medical diagnosis can remedy concerns over a possible illness for some people, but for others it can provoke additional concerns. According to a 2013 Pew Survey, more than one-third of Americans search for diagnoses online. Only half of those people discuss their findings with an actual healthcare provider.
Although the internet can be a helpful educational tool, obsessively searching for medical information can become a health condition itself. Researchers have termed this “cyberchondria”, and it is sweeping the nation.
According to a data analysis by STAT, these are the most commonly searched health conditions, despite whether they are real or conjured.
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hemorrhoid
- Yeast infection
- Lupus
- Shingles
- Psoriasis
- Schizophrenia
- Lyme disease
- HPV
- Herpes
- Pneumonia
- Fibromyalgia
- Scabies
- Chlamydia
- Endometriosis
- Strep throat
- Diverticulitis
- Bronchitis
Photo: Infectious Disease. Digital Image. Channeling Erik. 6 December 2016. Web. 12 July 2017. <channelingerik.com>
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/most-commonly-googled-diseases.html