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 3421 reviews and the average rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"Easy to use"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Thanks for the financial aid, this made it possible for me to use your services"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"My experience has been life changing in all respects. I am forever grateful to my therapist and the ease this program made finding the right therapist and getting the help I needed just how I needed it."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I've just had my second session with Lisa and I'm really happy with the discussions and information that we have covered. I feel very positive about the way this this therapy is structured and I am keen to continue and make the changes that will ultimately make me into a more productive and happy human!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"My assigned counselor has been very attentive to our needs and professional."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Jenny was great. I felt heard and supported in our sessions and she provided me with really helpful ways to reflect on my thinking, along with good strategies for managing anxiety. Working with her really helped me at a moment when things in my life were coming unstuck. Thanks so much."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"There is a lot of great information on this platform! It Makes you think and realize of your behaviour by writing them!
The therapist that i chose is very kind and thoughtful!
Thank you very much!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"This program really works. I was doubtful that I could make serious changes in such a short time but by sticking with it on a daily basis, vulnerability and an amazing therapist I have made significant progress. I've tried therapy before, but this comprehensive model with different components really worked for me. I have a new outlook on life and how to handle challenges. Forever grateful!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"It has helped me tremendously. Thank you!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"It's still early on, but I like the way my therapist communicates with me and how she's willing to ask direct questions which is something that I had asked for. So far so good for this guy who is looking to continue the journey of healing and self improvement."

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