LibraryScenariosWhen medical knowledge increases rather than decreases anxiety
Scenario

When medical knowledge increases rather than decreases anxiety

I've become an expert on my rare pain condition through research but now I know enough to be scared about my prognosis in ways I wasn't before.

Dipa
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Information seeking as a coping strategy can paradoxically create new sources of distress and anticipatory suffering.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Pain — acute and chronic management?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.