Understanding Health Anxiety

Health Anxiety, also known as Hypochondria, is a condition characterised by excessive worry about having a serious illness, despite having little or no symptoms or clear medical evidence to support this concern. Individuals with Health Anxiety are often preoccupied with thoughts of being unwell and may frequently seek medical reassurance, yet remain anxious about their health.

This type of anxiety can lead to frequent visits to doctors, extensive health-related research, or constant monitoring of one’s body for signs of illness. While it is natural to be concerned about health, Health Anxiety goes beyond normal health worries and can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, leading to distress and avoidance behaviours.

What Are the Symptoms of Health Anxiety?

Health Anxiety involves persistent and excessive worry about health, often focusing on mild symptoms or bodily sensations and interpreting them as signs of serious illness. Individuals may frequently worry about developing a severe condition, even without clear symptoms, and may obsess over sensations like headaches or fatigue. They may seek medical advice or tests repeatedly, despite reassurance from doctors, and often monitor symptoms, such as checking their temperature or searching for health information online. This can lead to an overwhelming fear of disease or death, and individuals may avoid certain foods, activities, or situations out of concern for their health. These symptoms can interfere with daily life, relationships, and cause physical issues like tension, headaches, or stomach problems due to ongoing stress and anxiety.

What Are the Types of Health Anxiety?

Health Anxiety can appear in different forms, depending on how individuals interpret their symptoms and seek medical attention. In Somatic Health Anxiety, individuals focus on mild or temporary physical symptoms, believing they signal a serious illness. Diagnostic Health Anxiety involves worrying excessively about being diagnosed with a severe illness, even when no symptoms are present, often fearing the worst. Reassurance-Seeking Health Anxiety sees individuals constantly seeking reassurance from medical professionals, friends, or family but still feeling anxious and uncertain about their health. Finally, Illness Fear in Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) refers to when health anxiety is part of broader anxiety, where concerns about health are combined with worries about work, family, or other life aspects.

How We Can Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with Health Anxiety, we are here to support you. Our experienced team offers a combination of medication management and effective therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and stress-reduction practices, all designed to guide you on your path to recovery.

If you're ready to learn more about Health Anxiety or need help managing your symptoms, please reach out to us. Our team is here to provide the support and care you need so you can have peace of mind.