Health anxiety, sometimes referred to as illness anxiety disorder, is an increasingly common issue affecting individuals of all ages. It is characterised by excessive worry about having a serious medical condition, often leading to compulsive behaviours such as constant self-checking for symptoms, frequent visits to doctors, or over-reliance on medical information found online.
Symptoms of Health Anxiety
Health anxiety manifests in various ways, with both psychological and physical symptoms. Some of the most common include:
- Excessive worrying about potential illnesses, despite medical reassurance.
- Frequent body checking for lumps, changes in skin, or other perceived symptoms.
- Repeated visits to doctors or requesting medical tests unnecessarily.
- Avoiding medical settings out of fear of receiving bad news.
- Obsessive online research about health conditions, often leading to more anxiety (cyberchondria).
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, muscle tension, or stomach discomfort, often caused by stress and anxiety but mistaken for serious illnesses.
- Difficulty concentrating on daily activities due to intrusive thoughts about health.
- Reassurance-seeking from family, friends, or medical professionals, which only temporarily alleviates concerns.
How To Help Someone With Health Anxiety?
Supporting someone can be challenging, but there are ways to offer meaningful assistance:
- Acknowledge their feelings – Understand that their anxiety is real and distressing, even if their fears seem irrational.
- Encourage professional help – Suggest therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is highly effective for health anxiety.
- Set boundaries – Gently discourage excessive reassurance-seeking, which can reinforce anxious behaviours.
- Promote healthy coping strategies – Encourage relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and activities that distract from anxious thoughts.
- Avoid feeding the anxiety – Refrain from engaging in excessive discussions about their health fears or looking up symptoms online together.
- Support lifestyle changes – Encourage exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep habits, as these can help regulate anxiety levels.
Health Anxiety Treatment
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most effective treatments. It helps individuals identify and challenge irrational thoughts and change the behaviours that reinforce their anxiety. By restructuring thought patterns and reducing compulsive checking or reassurance-seeking, CBT can break the cycle of anxiety.
Mindfulness and Stress Management
Mindfulness-based techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help individuals manage stress and reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety. Stress management strategies, including progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery, can also be beneficial.
Reducing Reassurance-Seeking Behaviour
Limiting medical visits and internet searches for symptoms can be difficult but is essential in overcoming it. Gradually reducing these behaviours can help individuals regain control over their thoughts and reduce anxiety over time.
Medication
In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to help manage it. This should always be considered alongside therapy for the best outcomes.
FAQs About Health Anxiety
What causes it?
It can develop due to a combination of factors, including past experiences with illness, a family history of anxiety disorders, excessive exposure to health-related media, or heightened stress levels.
Can it cause real physical symptoms?
Yes, anxiety can trigger physical symptoms such as dizziness, chest tightness, headaches, and digestive issues. These symptoms can be misinterpreted as signs of a serious illness, perpetuating the cycle of health anxiety.
Is health anxiety the same as hypochondria?
While ‘hypochondria’ was once a commonly used term, the correct clinical term is ‘illness anxiety disorder.’ It describes an excessive preoccupation with having a serious illness, despite medical reassurance.
Can it be cured?
While there may not be a ‘cure’ in the traditional sense, health anxiety can be effectively managed with therapy, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medication. Many people experience significant improvement with the right support.
Should I stop visiting the doctor if I have it?
It’s important to strike a balance. While excessive doctor visits can reinforce anxiety, ignoring genuine health concerns isn’t advisable. A therapist can help develop a structured approach to medical visits.
Overcoming It
It can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it is manageable. Seeking professional help, engaging in therapy, and adopting healthy coping mechanisms can make a significant difference.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that it is a common and treatable condition. Seeking counselling is a proactive step towards breaking the cycle of anxiety and finding a path to improved mental health and well-being. By addressing both the specific fears related to health and the broader patterns of stress and anxiety, therapy can provide comprehensive support and pave the way for a more peaceful and balanced life.
Together, we can navigate these challenging waters and find a path to greater well-being and serenity.
