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Definition of Cyberchondria

By Lisa Fritscher, About.com

Updated: July 2, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Definition: Cyberchondria is a specific form of nosophobia (fear of having a disease). Cyberchondria develops when the sufferer researches a disease on the internet, and then worries that he or she has the symptoms of that disease.
Examples: Jennifer's cyberchondria began when she researched heart disease online, and then became worried that every twinge was a sign of a heart attack.

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