Health anxiety is a type of anxiety in which a person constantly worries about getting seriously ill often without any somatic symptoms present or, if present, are only mild in intensity. If another medical condition is present or there is a high risk of developing a medical condition (e.g., strong family history is present), the preoccupation is excessive or disproportionate.
When to seek therapy for health anxiety
If you suffer from health anxiety you are likely to experience some or most of the following symptoms
- Excessive preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness
- Absence of physical symptoms or if present mild in intensity
- You might engage in excessive health-related behaviours such as:
– repeatedly checking your body for signs of illness
– consulting health professionals
– undertaking diagnostic tests and/or procedures
– researching possible illnesses online
or you might exhibit avoidance behaviours such as:
– avoiding doctor appointments and hospitals
– avoiding anything related to serious illness such as medical TV programmes
- Excessive reassurance seeking from others that you are not ill
- Constant worry that doctors or medical tests have missed something
Psychologist for health anxiety issues
Dr Zach offers a wide range of therapies for health anxiety issues at his London clinic & online.