Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12) Test
In 3 minutes, see how online symptom searching may fuel health anxiety. This brief 12-item check gives clear, actionable insight for screening and tracking change.
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08:30
Scale Explorer
How the Scales are Structured
DATA-BASED USER COHORTS
Who Usually Takes This Test?
BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.
RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE
Benchmarking
See How You Compare
Once you complete the test, your results are compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.
Compulsiveness (C)
Average
11.4
Normal range
9.9 — 12.8
min.
3
max.
15
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Insecurity (I)
Average
10.6
Normal range
8.6 — 12.5
min.
3
max.
15
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Distress (D)
Average
10.5
Normal range
8.5 — 12.5
min.
3
max.
15
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Excessiveness (E)
Average
10.5
Normal range
8.6 — 12.4
min.
3
max.
15
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Severity of Cyberchondria (SoC)
Average
29.2
Normal range
21 — 37.4
min.
12
max.
60
Majority
This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.
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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this questionnaire measure?
It measures the extent to which online symptom searching becomes repetitive and increases health-related distress. It focuses on patterns of searching, checking, and escalation of worry.
How should responses be rated?
Each item should be rated based on typical experiences rather than rare events. Select the option that best matches usual reactions to searching for health information online.
How long does it take to complete?
Completion typically takes about 3 minutes. The questionnaire includes 12 items.
Does the score provide a medical diagnosis?
No, results indicate severity of cyberchondria-related behaviors and distress, not a medical condition. Interpretation should be combined with clinical evaluation when used in healthcare settings.
What is the difference between this version and the earlier longer version?
This version is a shortened revision designed to improve clarity and efficiency. It excludes items focused on distrust of doctors, which did not consistently improve overall assessment.
WHAT THE TEST MEASURES
About This Assessment
Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12) Test - Symptoms and Signs
This self-report measure assesses the severity of distress and impairment related to excessive online health-information searching. The Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12) is commonly used as a brief screening tool to quantify cyberchondria-related behaviors and associated anxiety symptoms.
The instrument contains 12 items and typically requires about 3 minutes to complete. Items ask respondents to rate the frequency or intensity of experiences such as repetitive searching, escalating worry after searching, and difficulty disengaging from health-related information.
Developed by D. Berle and V. Starcevic, the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12) can be used in clinical and research settings to support symptom monitoring and to inform case formulation when problematic health-related internet use is suspected. Scores should be interpreted in context and are not a stand-alone diagnostic indicator.
Author: D. Berle, V. Starcevic
Literature: Taylor, S., & Asmundson, G. J. G. Health anxiety: Clinical and research perspectives on hypochondriasis and related conditions. Wiley. 2004.; Starcevic, V., & Berle, D. Cyberchondria: Towards a better understanding of excessive health-related Internet use. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. 2013.; McElroy, E., & Shevlin, M. The development and initial validation of the cyberchondria severity scale (CSS). Journal of Anxiety Disorders. 2014.; McElroy, E., Shevlin, M., Kearney, M., Touhey, J., Evans, J., & Cooke, Y. The CSS-12: Development and validation of a short-form version of the cyberchondria severity scale. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking. 2019.
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