How to Deal with Health Anxiety
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What exactly is health anxiety? There are two types: Somatic symptom disorder and illness anxiety disorder, also known as hypochondriasis. A lot of people with health anxiety are unable to function properly because of their fears. They get obsessive over bodily issues, visible abnormalities, and physical discomfort. They may worry about a certain organ or disease that they heard on the news. These patients often believe that they have a serious illness, or are in danger of developing it. Many of those with health anxiety will go to the doctors and have tests repeatedly for reassurance, but feel reluctant to have treatment for their mental health because they think their condition is actually there.
Why does health anxiety persist despite reassurance from doctors?
While some patients do not go to their primary care physician out of fear for the worst, other patients still seek reassurance from doctors, take repeated medical tests, and visit the ER and urgent regularly. Being reassured that there's no serious illness brings slight relief, but it's only temporarily. Soon, the cycle will start again, once the patient feels a new physical sensation and interpret it as danger. Then, they'll visit the doctor again to resolve their uncertainties. After that reassurance, the cycle will start again.
The most effective treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy
Since it's possible to suffer from anxiety and a serious medical condition, your medical issues must be ruled out with an exam. After this, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for health-related anxiety.
CBT focuses on the way we think and the way we act. CBT is supposed to target the thoughts about a situation that affect how we feel and behave. It's meant to break the cycle: assigning a meaning to a symptom. Like, for instance, tingling meaning MS. Anxiety gives your thoughts this meaning, which gives them a lot of power.
CBT helps you overcome fears by treating the irrational thoughts and changing these behaviors. By having a certain mindset, you can learn how to approach these situations differently and learn how you can tolerate discomfort and uncertainty. You can overcome anxiety with a skilled specialist who is trained in CBT.
