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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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Great therapist!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"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: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"So I like my treatment. I am still feeling bad I hope to feel better. My counselor is good."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Online therapy has helped me considerably with my thoughts and emotions. My therapist has been great at enabling me to feeling my emotions and ask me questions to assist in that process. I’ve never felt pressured into sharing information and she has taken time with me as I’ve opened up. I recommend the service to anyone no matter what you need to discuss. Sometimes we just need that little extra support system and that’s okay."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Service has been great. Was easy to review all the therapist and find one that I am comfortable with."

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Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"I appreciate the online access."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Such an amazing platform to receive support and care!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Beth is there for me and helps me look at things from different perspectives. I feel more motivated than I have in a long time. I'm excited to continue to work with her."

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Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"I've felt the curriculum has been very helpful for me to work through and reflect on my own time. The structured nature and step by step process makes it easier to tackle bigger feelings by breaking it down."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"It is amazing. I am feeling and seeing progress already and I am on week 4 of my subscription. I would try it out if you are debating and reading reviews to see if it is worth it."

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