Overcome Health Anxiety with Online Therapy

Category: Health Anxiety Online Therapy | Last updated: February 1st, 2022 | Reviewed and approved by:
Dr. Steven Gans, MD
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD

Are You Health Conscious or Health Anxious?

Almost every one of us gets concerned about our health and well-being. And that concern can motivate us to try to optimize our eating, sleep and to lead a healthy lifestyle. Being health conscious can be great. It helps a lot in leading a healthy, happy, successful and meaningful life.

However, problems arise when this health consciousness gets transformed into “health anxiousness”. If you become too obsessed about your health and if you get too apprehensive that you are suffering from a severe illness (without the presence of such medical symptoms), then you may be experiencing health anxiety. In the past, psychologists referred to this as “hypochondria”. However, it is now called Illness Anxiety Disorder.

Illness Anxiety Disorder is a somatic symptom disorder in which the person suffering from it gets overly anxious or obsessed over his/her physical conditions. They see even a minor problem as an exaggerated severe illness. People suffering from Illness Anxiety Disorder often require continuous care, support and assurance from health service providers, family and acquaintances.

See if you recognize yourself in the symptoms of health anxiety:

Being preoccupied with having or developing 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

What’s more, people with Illness Anxiety Disorder can also experience additional mental health issues, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Clinical Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Treatment Procedures

The good news is that Illness Anxiety Disorder can be treated. Effective methods of treatment include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy and support. You can receive these types of treatment here at Online Therapy.

Reviews

Our online therapy services have received 3280 reviews and the average rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I am amazed at the quickness and sharpness of my therapist. She gets back to me quickly and always with insights and guidance and observations. It is a bit labor intensive with the worksheets and planning, but worth it!!!!!"

()

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"The technology is easy to use. The structured content is very helpful and so are the live therapy sessions. I’m pleased with the results so far."

()

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I would highly recommend this online therapy program. I found the worksheets very useful, in the way that I saw myself where I was making mistakes, and that there is a alternative, more often than not, more realistic point of view of my problems. The therapist is clearly highly experienced and professional, very helpful with his knowledge and insights. He would respond very often, making sure that I am staying on the right track. I feel free to discus my issues, without the feeling of being judged."

()

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"My husband and I have had a great experience so far. I have had therapy in the past and this is his first time. It's really user friendly and the Dr. gets back to you quickly. I like that I can do it on Sundays."

()

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"This so far has been an easy quick set up to start therapy."

()

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Bernadette is a genuine, caring and knowledgeable therapist who offers sound advice. She is truly down to earth and I am grateful for her support!"

()

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"So far this is very helpful."

()

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I'm enjoying Dr. Vicki's approach a lot. We're still building but so far I'm feeling we're on a very beneficial track."

()

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"It’s been a great experience working with Shannon. He uses a variety of techniques to provide a tailored approach to my needs. Looking forward to diving in further."

()

Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"I am really enjoying it so far. My therapist is very helpful and messages me even when I need her on weekends!"

()

View all reviews »

Let us know what you think!

Have any questions?

Are you unsure of what program to choose or have any questions about our services? Check our FAQ to alleviate any concerns.