Regarding OP:
I have rarely gone and started a worrying process that was unnecessary and unwarranted, but yes, it has happened. The mind is a powerful thing and if you don't take care to keep it in check it can run away with some seriously crazy shit. On the small immediate level: worrying about cancer and ringworm. On the greater scale: irrational paranoia, mob mentalities and justifiable rape and murder ..... all condoned by a mind that is left unchecked and allowed to assume the worst.
I'm sure there's many studies on your temporary lice/cancer paranoia.
I have rarely gone and started a worrying process that was unnecessary and unwarranted, but yes, it has happened. The mind is a powerful thing and if you don't take care to keep it in check it can run away with some seriously crazy shit. On the small immediate level: worrying about cancer and ringworm. On the greater scale: irrational paranoia, mob mentalities and justifiable rape and murder ..... all condoned by a mind that is left unchecked and allowed to assume the worst.
I'm sure there's many studies on your temporary lice/cancer paranoia.