Overcome Health Anxiety with Online Therapy

Category: Health anxiety | Last updated: October 18th, 2018 | 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 1862 reviews and the average rating is 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Best online therapy service by far! Lots of information available for you to work through alone and live sessions to support that work."

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Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"I definitely like how it’s at my own pace, & how easy it is to have a live session on your time."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"The help I have received so far has been very useful. Thank you"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I'm grateful and glad I had someone else to speak to and really help me put things back into perspective for me."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"This program help me realize that I was a jerk to those around me without me ever realizing it. It calmed me down by bringing out what’s important in my life and why I should fix those problems clouding my mind"

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Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"It's hard finding the right therapist, so I'm really glad there is the option to choose and switch if you don't vibe with your current one. That being said, I have been getting a lot out of this experience and my therapist is usually spot on, as well as friendly, compassionate, and approachable. The price tag is worth the service, and it's the best you will find considering the prices of traditional therapy. Wish I had known about this site a long time ago."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I was able to find a therapist that really helped me through harder times. Really appreciate it."

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Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"I did have to switch therapists early on but this program has been super beneficial thus far, despite that."

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Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"I think it's a great resource especially since it's so hard to find therapists that have availability. You do have to keep yourself honest and do the work, but that's true of any form of therapy. Overall a very good option to do on my own time."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Excellent service with insightful, dedicated therapists! I highly recommend!"

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