Abstract

Hypochondriasis or illness anxiety disorder, coupled with unrestricted access to abundant information from the internet can sensationalize the doctor shopping behaviour among the hypochondriac patients. This triad can be a challenge to the modern healthcare system by leading to unnecessary increase in healthcare burden and can disrupt doctor-patient relationship as it leads to development of mistrust towards the healthcare providers. Internet can worsen the anxiety among the patients, escalating fears and can take toll over the patient’s mental well-being. In addition to this, another major problem arising from this triad is the disruption in treatment. Hence, understanding and addressing this triad is pivotal not only for patient well-being but also for the sustainability and effectiveness of healthcare systems.