Health and Illness Anxiety

Do you find yourself constantly worrying about your health, even when there's no evidence of illness? You're not alone. Health anxiety, also known as illness anxiety (previously called hypochondriasis), is more common than you might think. However, understanding it from a psychological perspective can help you manage your worries and take control of your well-being as it is the best treatment for such anxiety.

Health anxiety is a condition where individuals become excessively preoccupied with the idea of having a serious illness. These worries can be triggered by minor symptoms, news stories, or even just thinking about health in general. While it's normal to be concerned about your health from time to time, health anxiety takes these worries to the extreme, often interfering with daily life.    According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, health anxiety affects approximately 4-6% of the population. However, this number may be higher, as many people with health anxiety never seek treatment. 

Psychological factors play a significant role in the development of health anxiety. For example, individuals with a history of anxiety disorders or a family history of health anxiety are more prone to developing this condition. Additionally, certain personality traits, such as being highly sensitive to bodily sensations or having a perfectionist nature, can contribute to the development of health anxiety. 

Health anxiety often follows a cycle of worry, reassurance-seeking, and temporary relief, all of which reinforce (strengthen) the health anxiety leading it to return. For example, you might notice a minor symptom, such as a stomachache, immediately Googling your symptoms and jumping to the conclusion that it's a sign of a serious illness. You may then seek reassurance from doctors, friends, or the internet, which temporarily alleviates your anxiety. However, this relief is short-lived, as new symptoms or worries quickly arise, restarting the cycle. 

The primary treatment of health anxiety is psychological, namely Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).   

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps reduce health anxiety symptoms. In CBT, you'll work with a psychologist to identify and challenge the negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to your anxiety. You'll also learn coping strategies to manage your worries and reduce the urge to seek reassurance.  

Exposure therapy for health anxiety involves gradually facing your fears about illness, helping your body and mind adjust to the anxiety, and seeing worries are unlikely to come true. Response prevention teaches you to resist the urge to seek reassurance or engage in compulsive behaviors related to health concerns, empowering you to break free from the cycle of anxiety and regain control over your life. 

If you're ready to beat your health anxiety and start a journey towards better health and well-being, I am here to help. Schedule a free consultation now, and we can chat about your goals and needs to determine if I am the best fit for your journey.