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 620 reviews and the average rating is 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"Just started the program and so far it has been pretty informative."

()

Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"There was a lapse between signing up and really participating because I've been ill (probably acerbated by years of non stop stress). As I'm getting started, I'm realizing the stress level that I have endured over the years and wish this program had existed decades ago."

()

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Katrina was wonderful. Always responsive and a great resource."

()

Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"The structured approach to confronting challenging thought patterns is incredibly helpful and the therapist feedback provides clarity and important insights. I've known about CBT for a long time and I am so glad I signed up for this program. It really shows you how you are causing components of your suffering and shows you step by step how to change your thinking."

()

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Excellent, life-changing."

()

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"This Online Therapy has been the most supportive and helpful experience I’ve had with changing my mindset and becoming happier. Great support, can use it anytime and anywhere you want, great design, uplifting videos.. really good! Am really impressed with it and this would be my go to if I’ll struggle with something in the future again. Thanks again!"

()

Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"I haven't finished the programme so can only speak for what I've done so far. But so far it's becoming helpful and making me question and improve my thought patterns. And it's helping me feel more positive and compassionate to others and myself."

()

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I can break my issues down to pieces and understand what's need to be better."

()

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Amazing"

()

Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"I find many of these tips and tricks useful and easy. I am hoping they will be something that will continue to help me in the future. The worksheets have been interesting and reflective. The videos are informative and the program is easy to follow. I have had a couple good sessions with my therapist, I wish that the sessions were longer. 30 minutes just isn't long enough to get all the information out. However she has given me some useful tricks for my bag that I can use to help me in times of need."

()

View all reviews »

Let us know what you think!

Have any questions?

Are you unsure of what program to choose or have any questions about our services? Chat with us or check our FAQ to alleviate any concerns.