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 3293 reviews and the average rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"So far. I am still going through worksheets before I finally have a session with the therapist.

The worksheets have been a challenge, but that has been part of the learning experience about learning to manage my thought process.

The therapist has chimed in and has given me some good insights, and has given me some clues that help me understand the cycle of thought that has to change."

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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."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I would recommend this service to anyone. My therapist has been kind and considerate and never made me feel like I can't share. At the same time there's no pressure and she has enabled to deal with situations effectively. From dealing with anxiety to how to process others in my life. You can take your time and choose to share the level of deal you want. You don't ever feel judged, only supported no matter the issues spoken about. Some people find services like this as negative, but I also share when days as positive so we can find the route to creating less negative days. Highly recommended."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I have been using this service for a few weeks now and have found it very helpful. I've been having weekly sessions with Peggy and I am so grateful that I found her when I did, she has been unconditionally supportive during a very difficult time and has always been reassuring that she is just a message away when I need someone to talk things through with or just need some advice on anything. Thank you!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Feeling much better about myself. I feel more like I know what I’m feeling"

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Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"So far, I have found my therapist to be insightful, quick to respond, and the advice feels very personal as opposed to read from a textbook or chatbot. I have tried other online therapy services, and so far, this one seems to be a good fit."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"The lecture opened an brand-new avenue for me to manage my emotion and daily life. Myself and my family will greatly benefit from what I have been taught. I have no doubt I will experience much happier life, more importantly, with my family.
Thank you very much!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"My therapist has been helpful and has been helping me understand my anxiety better and keep myself calm when I feel anxious"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I Love Mina So Much! She is very helpful and easy to WITH. She gives me ALOT of ways to EXAMINE MY LIFE SO THAT I CAN FIND HAPPINESS FOR “ME” FIRST. You don’t see that in a lot of therapists. Also, I don’t see her choosing sides. I would NEVER WANT OR ASK FOR ANOTHER THERAPIST.
Thanks Mina🩷"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"great counsellor"

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