Doctors warn health anxiety is becoming the new lifestyle problem

Health anxiety means constantly being worried that one might be having a serious illness. People with health anxiety keep checking their bodies for symptoms and repeatedly search online, which can lead them to frightening diagnoses that worsen their anxiety.

In Short

• Health anxiety involves persistent fear despite little medical evidence
• Digital overload keeps the brain in constant stimulation
• Online symptom searches often lead to unnecessary panic

A mild headache, a strange twitch, a sudden wave of fatigue or a racing heartbeat, and the first instinct is to reach for the phone. Within seconds, symptoms are being typed into a search bar, trying to figure out whether it is something harmless or a warning sign that demands a doctor’s attention.

What begins as curiosity can quickly spiral into worry. For a growing number of people, the habit of repeatedly searching for symptoms online is fuelling a new kind of distress: health anxiety.

Doctors say the problem is becoming increasingly common in the digital age, where constant exposure to health information, medical videos, and symptom checkers can blur the line between awareness and alarm.

Dr. Sarika N. Holla, consultant general physician at Kinder Hospitals, explains that health anxiety, clinically known as Illness Anxiety Disorder, is characterised by a persistent fear of having a serious illness despite little or no medical evidence.

“Health anxiety means constantly being worried that one might be having a serious illness. People with health anxiety keep checking their bodies for symptoms and repeatedly search online, which can lead them to frightening diagnoses that worsen their anxiety," she says.

WHEN HEALTH INFORMATION BECOMES OVERWHELMING

The internet has made medical knowledge more accessible than ever. But the sheer volume of information can overwhelm people who are already worried about their health.

Online symptom searches frequently present worst-case scenarios rare diseases, severe complications, or life-threatening conditions. Without medical context, these results can create unnecessary panic.

Dr. Holla says many patients caught in this cycle begin visiting multiple hospitals, seeking reassurance from different doctors.

“They undergo repeated blood tests and scans to look for some illness. The persistent worry can interfere with their daily life, work, and relationships," she says.

In some cases, the anxiety becomes so intense that people begin avoiding doctors altogether because they fear receiving a serious diagnosis.

Triggers for health anxiety vary. Stress, childhood illness, trauma, or losing a loved one to disease can all contribute to heightened fear about personal health.

THE BRAIN RARELY GETS A BREAK

The digital environment itself plays a major role in amplifying anxiety.

Dr. Shivi Kataria, consultant psychiatrist at CK Birla Hospitals, says modern technology keeps the brain in a near-constant state of stimulation.

“Smartphones, reels, social media notifications and constant multitasking keep our cognitive circuits under continuous stimulation," she says.

While digital tools help people stay connected and informed, the constant stream of information can quietly erode the brain’s ability to rest and reset.

“The brain requires idle time, periods without active stimulation, to consolidate memories, process information and maintain emotional balance,” Dr. Kataria explains.

Without these pauses, we become more vulnerable to mental fatigue, anxiety and stress.

Ironically, being constantly connected can also reduce productivity.

TRY TO STAY 'IDLE' FOR SOME TIME

Research shows that the brain performs best when it gets regular breaks from stimulation. Quiet moments allow neurons to reorganise, reinforce learning and restore energy levels.

Activities that create these pauses can help reduce anxiety. Simple habits such as short walks without phones, brief meditation, or sitting quietly for a few minutes can give the brain time to recharge.

Dr. Kataria says limiting screen time and practising “digital detox” intervals can significantly improve cognitive health.

“Focusing on one task instead of multitasking and giving the brain time to rest are essential for long-term mental resilience,” she says.

WHEN TO SEEK HEP

Doctors stress that occasional online health searches are normal. The concern arises when checking symptoms becomes repetitive, distressing and begins to dominate everyday life.

Reassurance from a doctor is often the first step in managing health anxiety. Regular exercise, breathing techniques, meditation, walking and adequate sleep can also help calm the mind.

Therapy can play an important role as well. One commonly used approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which helps patients recognise and change patterns of anxious thinking.

In an always-connected world, learning when to stop searching, and when to trust a qualified doctor may be one of the most important skills for protecting mental health.

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