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

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"My therapist always replies in a timely matter and has offered great advice to me. Love how convenient online therapy is and how I can do it at my own pace!"

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Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"Progressing well so far"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I appreciate the availability of care. Sometimes just putting my thoughts into writing and knowing someone is on the other end is extremely comforting to me."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"The program was rewarding. It got me to think through my situations and then ways to work through the uncomfortable times."

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Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"I am new at this style of therapy and especially online is different. At first it seemed confusing but a few weeks into it I am getting the hang of it. Its making more sense and is helping me, but you have to do the work, for it to work for you."

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Rating: [4 out of 5 stars!]

"My therapist has been helpful and respond in a short period of time with helpful suggestions to my concerns."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I started this about one month ago. The material is well written and easy to respond to. m
The therapist responds to my entries promptly and refers me to additional resources.
I like working at my own pace.
Thank you"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I feel like a new person after having taken this class. the therapist was very helpful and I am very thankful that I was able to make a change in my life when I needed it the most. I have thoroughly enjoyed this class and seeing a change in myself when once I felt hopeless now I feel better every day. I am going to move forward in my life and use what I have learned in this class and I am very thankful for everything the therapist has showed me and share with me and I am completely satisfied with the progress that I have made so far."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Great way to get assistance in changing bad habits and embracing my happy!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Online Therapy has really helped me to study myself and get to the root of my problems and problematic thinking. It now feels more natural to question myself, investigate where a certain compulsion is coming from, and react differently to it! I'm appreciating the freedom it's given me to begin to make healthier choices."

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