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

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"Excellent service. Addresses a wide variety of concerns"

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"Extraordinarily user-friendly! I have no criticism whatsoever."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I'm so happy with my therapist, Shelly. I look forward to our weekly sessions. She remembers so many of the details that I spoke about in prior sessions and challenges me to stretch myself. Since working with Shelly my mental and emotional state of mind has great improved. I value her insights, knowledge and generosity."

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"Very happy with the experience so far. My therapist is very helpful and compassionate. I recommend this subscription for anyone needing to start a journey of healing and better understanding of self."

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"I have been doing online therapy for 2 weeks now. I am already noticing that I am more aware of how I am feeling, and I have addressed more tough situations than I have before. I am also process past issues with and without the help of my online therapist. If you are considering starting I would highly recommend it for everyone. If you don't notice any change you can always cancel. Admitting you have a problem is the first step to a better you! Simply by looking at reviews for therapy services you are taking the first steps to becoming a better you."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"No complaints"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Shelly Clark is a beacon of hope! She always gave me a welcoming safe place to share, be heard and guided to cope and navigate effectively through life's ups and downs. She is down to earth, warm and knowledgeable.
I think we all want to have that friend or family member that we can come and talk to that knows just what to say and gives tuff love in a loving way that motivates. She is that person for me and I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to meet her. A real gem! Thank you Shelly!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Never been in therapy before, but I'm loving my sessions with Dr. Annice Overall! She's empathetic, listens thoroughly, and offers excellent guidance and advice. It's only been a month, and I'm already seeing improvements to my mental state by following her suggestions. Definitely recommend!"

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