Hypochondria and health anxiety
What is health anxiety and hypochondria?
Individuals suffering from hypochondria or health anxiety experience an intense fear of having or developing a serious illness. Physical sensations or minor bodily symptoms are often interpreted as signs of severe medical conditions, leading to excessive worry and preoccupation with one’s health status.
A significant part of daily life may be spent trying to understand symptoms, researching medical information online, questioning friends or family for reassurance, and frequently visiting doctors. Medical examinations may provide temporary relief, but the anxiety soon returns. The person may even begin to doubt the doctor's competence or question whether their symptoms have been fully understood.
The cycle of health anxiety
Persistent or new bodily sensations become a constant source of distress for individuals with health anxiety. Many develop a habit of scanning their bodies for potential signs of serious illnesses. For example, a small mark on the skin may trigger catastrophic thoughts, leading to fears of severe disease.
Short-term relief through reassurance-seeking
Seeking external reassurance from family and friends provides temporary calm, but does not break the anxiety cycle.
Googling symptoms may create a short-term sense of control, but in reality, it sustains the problem.
Internet searches may lead to further alarming information, worsening anxiety rather than easing it.
While it is reasonable to consult a doctor when experiencing unusual symptoms, a person with health anxiety struggles to feel reassured, even after medical examinations. Anxiety often finds new symptoms to fixate on, leading to further distress and repetitive medical consultations.
Treatment health anxiety
The key to overcoming health anxiety is to establish a rational and balanced approach to health-related behaviours. It is not wrong to seek medical advice when necessary, but individuals with health anxiety often engage in excessive behaviours that dominate their thoughts and result in non-productive actions.
Adopting a goal-oriented approach
The person is encouraged to imitate the behaviour of someone who does not suffer from health anxiety. This means reducing excessive health-checking and reassurance-seeking while engaging in functional, balanced behaviours instead.
The goal is to shift focus away from anxiety-driven actions and towards fulfilling life areas, such as:
Relationships
Work or studies
Physical health and well-being
Leisure and recreational activities
By increasing meaningful, constructive activities, the mind becomes less consumed by worry, allowing for a healthier and more fulfilling life.