Engage Mutual
CYBERCHONDRIACS
Millions of Brits have convinced themselves they are seriously ill or even dying - after using the internet to diagnose their symptoms, it emerged yesterday (Tues).
Researchers found more than six out of ten adults now turn to the web rather than their GP when they begin to feel under the weather.
And almost half of those have then convinced themselves they are suffering from a serious illness.
Incredibly, one in five said they had managed to worry themselves into believing they were in the early stages of a heart attack after Googling their symptoms.
Other common, but less serious misdiagnoses, include mistaking a stomach upset for food poisoning and believing a common cold was in fact an attack of flu.
The study, carried out among 3,000 adults by Engage Mutual, also revealed more than a third of those with headaches had convinced themselves they had a migraine, while 28 per cent of people with abdominal pain mistakenly self-diagnosed appendicitis.
Tina Clare at Engage Mutual said: ''We seem to be a nation of worriers when it comes to our health.
''Forty six per cent of people are worried about getting a terminal illness, and many are convincing themselves that everyday symptoms are indicative of serious ill health.
''While the internet can be a great information resource, it is always best to see a doctor when ill.
''Not only can a medical professional put your mind at rest, they can also check out all the symptoms and tell you what the matter really is.''
It also emerged many people have mistaken stiff joints for arthritis or a hang-over for 'something they ate' or 'food poisoning'.
Incredibly, 16 per cent of migraine sufferers have convinced themselves they had a brain tumour and 15 per cent of those who felt short of breath concluded they had lung disease.
Sixteen per cent have self-diagnosed lower back ache as kidney disease.
The study also found only a quarter of respondents phone NHS Direct if they feel ill.
Nineteen per cent of survey respondents admitted to having felt embarrassed when they realised their symptoms were not connected to anything serious.
And 11 per cent have been advised by a doctor that they were slightly over-reacting.
On average Brits visit a nurse or doctor two or three times a year.
Tina Clare added: ''It is important to keep things in proportion. Not least because over worrying, and high stress levels can have a negative impact on our health.
''Take action to stay as healthy as you can with a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
''And bear in mind that research on the internet is not a substitute for consulting a health professional.''
