Health anxiety on the increase.
The internet, he says, is one reason. “Everyone looks up their symptoms, but the internet tells you everything and nothing.” O’Neill agrees: “Type in flu symptoms and you will be able to find a huge range of diseases from a common cold to the early stages of an HIV infection.”
Several studies have shown that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which aims to change thought patterns and behaviour, can reduce the symptoms and hospital appointments.
(Guardian)