Health Anxiety
Are you constantly worried about your health? Do you find yourself obsessively checking your body for signs of illness?Â
If so, you may be experiencing health anxiety, also known as hypochondriasis or illness anxiety disorder.
Understanding Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD): When Health Worries Become Excessive
Most people worry about their health on occasion. Still, excessive worry that interferes with daily life may be a sign of illness anxiety disorder (IAD). People with IAD often obsess over the possibility of having a serious illness, even when there is no evidence of it. They may experience physical symptoms and seek medical attention repeatedly despite reassurances from doctors that they are healthy. On the other hand, worrying about a medical issue is a normal response to a specific symptom or health concern, and it does not usually lead to excessive anxiety or interfere with daily life.
Common Behaviors and Thought Patterns in Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD)
One of the most prevalent obsessions in health anxiety is the fear of having cancer. Individuals may obsessively worry about any unusual bodily sensations or minor symptoms, interpreting them as potential signs of cancer.
Some individuals with health anxiety develop an obsession with their heart
health. They may constantly monitor their heart rate, obsess over minor
irregularities, and fear they are at risk of having a heart attack. This
obsession can significantly impact their daily life and lead to ongoing
distress.
Another common obsession in health anxiety is the fear of contracting infectious diseases. Individuals may excessively worry about catching illnesses such as HIV, COVID-19, hepatitis, or other contagious diseases. They may engage in excessive hygiene practices or avoid certain situations or places they perceive as risky.
Individuals with health and illness anxiety may also fixate on rare or unknown medical conditions. They may spend hours researching and self- diagnosing, convinced they have a rare or undiagnosed illness that doctors may have overlooked. This obsession can cause significant distress and interfere with their daily functioning.
People with health anxiety often have heightened sensitivity to bodily sensations. They may interpret normal bodily functions or minor discomfort as signs of a serious medical condition. This hypersensitivity can amplify their anxiety and reinforce their belief that something is seriously wrong.
Preoccupation with Actual Diagnosed Medical Issues: In addition to worrying about potential undiagnosed illnesses, individuals with health and illness anxiety may also experience preoccupation with actual diagnosed medical conditions. For example, someone diagnosed with migraines or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may obsessively monitor their symptoms, constantly researching their condition and ruminating about it. This preoccupation can lead to a constant state of anxiety and distress, interfering with their daily life and overall well-being.
While it is natural to be concerned about one’s health, obsessively monitoring symptoms, engaging in excessive research, and seeking reassurance can negatively impact mental well-being. These behaviors, which are instinctual ways to try to reduce anxiety, only serve to cause the anxiety to spiral further out of control.
Common Behaviors Associated with Illness Anxiety
Frequent Doctor Visits:
Individuals with health and illness anxiety often visit doctors frequently, seeking reassurance regarding their health concerns. However, even after receiving reassurance, their anxiety persists, leading to a continuous cycle of doctor visits.
Online Health Research:
A common compulsion among those with health and illness anxiety is excessive online health research. They spend hours searching for medical information, often misinterpreting common symptoms as indicators of severe diseases.
Avoidance of Medical Settings:
Some individuals with health and illness anxiety may avoid medical settings altogether due to their fear of receiving a diagnosis or being confronted with their health concerns.
Reassurance Seeking:
Individuals with health and illness anxiety often seek reassurance from friends, family, or healthcare professionals to alleviate their anxiety. For instance, asking a parent or spouse repeatedly if their new symptom indicates they may have cancer.
Checking Behaviors:
Checking behaviors, such as constantly monitoring vital signs or conducting frequent self-examinations, are common among those with health and illness anxiety. These behaviors serve as a means to seek reassurance and alleviate anxiety.
Mental Compulsions:
Mental compulsions can include playing out and rehearsing "what if" scenarios in their head, analyzing the evidence for and against having an illness, and dwelling on and searching for missed clues in past medical experiences.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and health and illness anxiety share many similarities in terms of their underlying mechanisms and treatment approaches. Both conditions involve intrusive thoughts and excessive worries that lead to heightened anxiety and distress. While the content of the obsessions may differ, the core feature of anxiety-driven behaviors and rituals is present in both OCD and health and illness anxiety.
The line between these two conditions can sometimes be blurry, and determining an exact diagnosis may not be as relevant as focusing on effective treatment strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapies, such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), are beneficial for both OCD and health and illness anxiety. These therapies help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms, challenge irrational beliefs, and reduce anxiety-driven behaviors.
Get Help for Health Anxiety: Seek Professional Support and Resource
If you or someone you know is struggling with health and illness anxiety, it is essential to seek professional help. Find a qualified health anxiety therapist near you who can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
For further information, you can visit the following websites:
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America
• Illness anxiety disorder – Mayo Clinic
Don’t let health and illness anxiety control your life. With the proper treatment and support, overcoming your fears and living a fuller life is possible.
Note: This page is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.