Is Dr Google fuelling your hypochondria?

Is Dr Google fuelling your hypochondria?

Author: ABC Australia January 2, 2026 Duration: 39:59
Anxiety can manifest in an excessive worry about your health, and it can be debilitating. But there are effective treatments.  Also, antidepressants can be difficult to come off because of the withdrawal symptoms. An expert highlights the need to better educate patients and doctors on deprescribing.  Another instalment of Stroke of Luck, a series on the experience of having a stroke and the recovery process.  And a look back at the year: infectious diseases.  References Why the US measles outbreak is so concerning How Australia's measles vaccine coverage compares to the US Antidepressant prescribing in Australian primary care: time to reevaluate RELEASE information and resources Health anxiety information and workbook Health anxiety in Australia: prevalence, comorbidity, disability and service use | The British Journal of Psychiatry The global economic burden of health anxiety/hypochondriasis- a systematic review Increase in the prevalence of health anxiety in medical clinics: Possible cyberchondria Cognitive behavior therapy for health anxiety: systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical efficacy and health economic outcomes A clinician’s quick guide to evidence-based approaches: health anxiety

Tune in to Health Report for a clear-eyed look at the medical news that actually impacts your life. Hosted by Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander, this ABC podcast cuts through the noise of health headlines, offering grounded analysis and practical context. Each episode is a conversation that breaks down complex research, emerging health threats, and wellness trends, separating evidence from hype. You’ll hear them dissect new studies, interview experts, and answer the questions that arise from weekly health scares and breakthroughs. It’s for anyone who wants to move beyond soundbites and understand the science behind their wellbeing, from nutrition and exercise to major public health policies. This isn't just about information; it's about building a deeper, more useful understanding of how to navigate the ever-changing world of health. Join Norman and Preeya for thoughtful discussions that make sense of it all, ensuring you’re equipped with knowledge that makes a tangible difference.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Health Report
Podcast Episodes
Why you should speed up your steps, even just in short bursts. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:43
A study looking at step intensity and step count provides helpful advice for those who are limited in their time and ability to increase the number of steps and their pace. The pharmaceutical company closest to getting a…
Validation for people living with chronic pain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:33
An international study of the genes of 2.5 million people confirms fibromyalgia as a nervous system disorder. A rheumatologist explains the relationship to other disorders including CFS/ME and long COVID. Women of reprod…
Same work but no training pathway for unaccredited registrars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:40
It's become harder for medical students to qualify as a fully accredited specialist. This delay is having a profound impact on the wellbeing of doctors and on access to specialists across Australia. A new study shows peo…
Will this help more men get prostate checkups? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:56
New clinical guidelines for early detection of prostate cancer make big changes to screening, with an end to the digital examination and more frequent PSA tests in older age groups. A new global study suggests people ove…
BMI fails the test as a predictor of disease risk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:49
A study shows waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) should be included with BMI when assessing patients with abdominal fat for risk of cardiovascular disease. A new rapid 'lateral flow' test is being tria…
When is a child ready for their own smartphone? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:38
A new study looks at the health benefits of holding off on a child's smartphone by one year. Is there a "best" age to let them have their own device? Despite the lack of subsidies for CGM devices that monitor glucose lev…
What can you really learn from a biological ageing test? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:23
There's a race going on in Silicon Valley to find ways to slow down ageing and monetise longevity. Some of the tools used to measure this are biological age tests that give various health readings. Can you biohack your w…
Who should be allowed to prescribe medications? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:07
A review of the evidence for community pharmacist prescribing has reopened the debate about who should be able to prescribe, and a legislative change means some registered nurses with special training will soon be author…