Health anxiety, also known as hypochondria or illness anxiety disorder (IAD), is a condition where an individual experiences excessive worry or fear about having a serious illness. People with health anxiety often obsess over their physical symptoms, misinterpret normal bodily sensations as signs of severe health problems, and frequently seek reassurance from doctors, friends, or family members. This ongoing worry can lead to significant distress and disrupt daily life.

Fortunately, in therapy I can work with you, providing proven treatments to reduce intrusive thoughts, and regain control over their health-related fears.

What is Health Anxiety?

Health anxiety is characterized by a preoccupation with the fear of being seriously ill, often accompanied by a hyper-awareness of bodily sensations. You may worry about conditions like cancer, heart disease, or neurological disorders. When anxious you find yourself interpreting common symptoms—such as a headache, fatigue, or a slight ache—as signs of a life-threatening illness. Even though you know these thoughts are illogical, reassuring yourself doesn’t seem to help.

If this is you, you may notice anxiety is causing the following patterns:

• Frequent doctor visits or health checkups: Individuals may seek reassurance from healthcare professionals, only to remain anxious even after being told they are healthy.

• Constant symptom checking: People with health anxiety often check their bodies for signs of illness (e.g., feeling their pulse, examining their skin) or perform rituals to ease their anxiety.

• Avoidance behaviors: Some individuals may avoid certain activities (e.g., exercising, traveling) or places (e.g., hospitals) because they fear worsening health conditions.

• Reassurance-seeking: Constantly asking others for reassurance that you are OK, and going online to reddit to find others with similar symptoms

For individuals struggling with health anxiety, daily life can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Anxiety often spikes at the slightest physical symptom, which can be exhausting and frustrating. The constant worrying can interfere with personal relationships, work, and social activities. Stop obsessing and get back to living by getting expert help and starting specialized therapy for health anxiety.

Mental Health Therapy for Health Anxiety

I use evidenced approaches to help you break free from the cycle of health anxiety. Throughout treatment I use CBT and exposure therapy. Step by step I’ll lead you in identifying and changing negative thought patterns, such as the belief that a mild headache is indicative of a brain tumor. The goal is to examine the evidence for and against these thoughts and to replace them with more balanced, realistic thinking.

I then incorporate gradual exposure to health-related fears. This might involve challenging health-related avoidance behaviors or confronting anxiety-provoking health situations (e.g., visiting a doctor, watching medical dramas, reading about medical conditions, or even working out and allowing your heart rate to get high) in a controlled, supportive environment. Over time, this reduces anxiety and helps you and your body recognize that their fears are not grounded in reality. You learn to stop hyper focusing on your body, and get out of your head.

If you’ve tried traditional talk therapy and didn’t see improvements, incorporating exposure is an action based approach that gets results. You don’t just have to cope with anxiety, you can eliminate it.

a full recovery from Health Anxiety with Therapy is completely possible, don’t keep suffering and take the first step of getting help