How do you overcome health anxiety?

Health anxiety, also known as hypochondria, is a condition where a person is excessively worried about having or developing a serious illness. If not addressed, the anxiety can become a burden and start to interfere with daily life.

People with health anxiety might constantly worry about their health, they may frequently check for signs of illness, avoid activities or places for fear of getting sick, and often misinterpret normal body sensations as serious illness.

The exact cause of health anxiety isn’t known. However, it can be influenced by past experiences with serious illness, having a family member with health anxiety, and has been linked with wider mental health disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

The constant fear of ill health

Almost everyone worries intermittently about their physical health and illness. This is completely normal and it’s always important to be vigilant of potential health risks. However, people with hypochondria live in constant dread that they have a serious disease.

The symptoms they worry about can manifest anywhere in the body. A headache is proof of a brain tumour. Stomach pain is a sign of pancreatic cancer. A sore muscle indicates multiple sclerosis. Hypochondriacs search for proof online or by going to doctors in an attempt to prove they are seriously ill, when in fact they are most likely experiencing mild symptoms of something far less worrisome.

Can I be affected?

Somewhere between 5 to 10 percent of people are thought to have hypochondria, but doctors find their practices disproportionately burdened by such patients, who may repeatedly call with every complaint and concern.

More females than males have the disorder, and it generally begins in middle adulthood. In children, the disorder manifests in recurrent abdominal pain or headache.

Symptoms

Symptoms of illness anxiety disorder involve preoccupation with the idea that you're seriously ill, based on normal body sensations (such as a noisy stomach) or minor signs (such as a minor rash). Signs and symptoms may include:

• Being preoccupied with having or getting a serious disease or health condition
• Worrying that minor symptoms or body sensations mean you have a serious illness
• Being easily alarmed about your health status
• Finding little or no reassurance from doctor visits or negative test results
• Worrying excessively about a specific medical condition or your risk of developing a medical condition because it runs in your family
• Having so much distress about possible illnesses that it's hard for you to function
• Repeatedly checking your body for signs of illness or disease
• Frequently making medical appointments for reassurance — or avoiding medical care for fear of being diagnosed with a serious illness
• Avoiding people, places or activities for fear of health risks
• Constantly talking about your health and possible illnesses
• Frequently searching the internet for causes of symptoms or possible illnesses

Here are some treatment options for health anxiety:

1. Psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - CBT): This type of therapy helps individuals recognise and challenge irrational health-related thoughts. It aims to modify behaviours associated with health anxiety and reduce distress.
2. Medication:
• Antidepressants: Medications like fluoxetine (Prozac) or fluvoxamine (Luvox) have been shown to be effective in managing health anxiety.
3. Self-Help Strategies:
• Keep a Diary: Track how often you check your body, seek reassurance, or search for health information. Gradually reduce these behaviours.
• Challenge Negative Thoughts: Write down health worries and counter them with more balanced thoughts (e.g., “Headaches can often be a sign of stress”).
• Stay Busy: Distract yourself when the urge to check your body arises.
• Resume Normal Activities: Gradually engage in activities you’ve been avoiding due to health worries.
• Wisdom: Discover our leading health and wellbeing app for relaxing meditation techniques and exercises to overcome health anxiety.

Remember, seeking professional help is essential. If you’re experiencing health anxiety, consider seeing a GP or a mental health professional.