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- Title
New psychopathologies in the digital age: orthorexia and cyberchondria.
- Authors
Zanfir, Andrei-Gabriel; Marian, Gabriela
- Abstract
In a constantly evolving digital age, concern for health has taken a new form, generating new psychopathologies, including “orthorexia” and “cyberchondria”. Orthorexia involves an obsession with healthy eating, leading to restrictive dieting and social isolation. In contrast, cyberchondria is characterized by the obsessive search for medical information online and by anxiety about one’s own health. Although not officially recognized as disorders in current psychiatric diagnostic guidelines, these phenomena attract the attention of researchers and mental health professionals. Orthorexia can coexist with eating disorders and may require integrated assessment and treatment. Excessive health concern and social pressure are risk factors. On the other hand, cyberchondria can be associated with severe anxiety, requiring assessment and tailored treatment. The evolution of these disorders can go from seemingly harmless preoccupations to obsessions that affect the everyday life. The treatment, customized for each patient, involves psychological therapy, nutritional counseling, and sometimes drug interventions for anxiety or co-occurring symptoms. Appropriate therapeutic approaches and the support of a multidisciplinary team can contribute to the recovery and long-term health of those affected by orthorexia and cyberchondria
- Subjects
DIGITAL technology; ORTHOREXIA nervosa; PSYCHOTHERAPY; MENTAL health personnel; NUTRITION counseling; BULIMIA
- Publication
Psihiatru.ro, 2024, Vol 76, Issue 1, p14
- ISSN
1841-4877
- Publication type
Article