Form: Cyberchondria Severity Scale, CSS-12

1 – Never
2 – Rarely
3 – Sometimes
4 – Often
5 – Always
¹
1
2
3
4
5
1
If I notice an unexplained bodily sensation, I will search for it on the internet.
2
Researching symptoms or perceived medical conditions online distracts me from reading news/sports/entertainment articles online.
3
I read different web pages about the same perceived condition.
4
I start to panic when I read online that a symptom I have is found in a rare/serious condition.
5
Researching symptoms or perceived medical conditions online leads me to consult with my GP.
6
I enter the same symptoms into a web search on more than one occasion.
7
Researching symptoms or perceived medical conditions online interrupts my work (e.g., writing emails, working on word documents or spreadsheets).
8
I think I am fine until I read about a serious condition online.
9
I feel more anxious or distressed after researching symptoms or perceived medical conditions online.
10
Researching symptoms or perceived medical conditions online interrupts my offline social activities (e.g., reduces time spent with friends/family).
11
I suggest to my GP/medical professional that I may need a diagnostic procedure that I read about online (e.g., a biopsy, a specific blood test).
12
Researching symptoms or perceived medical conditions online leads me to consult with other medical specialists (e.g., consultants).

The presented answer sheet is not an original form and is not intended for printing or use as a handout.

The answer numbers are used only to label response columns. They are NOT scores and should not be used for calculating results.