What Are the Symptoms of Illness Anxiety Disorder?
Illness Anxiety Disorder, also referred to as health anxiety, is a condition where a person becomes excessively worried about having a serious illness. This worry is not based on actual medical symptoms but rather on a strong belief that something is wrong, despite little or no evidence to support this fear. Understanding the symptoms and daily impact of this condition is essential for those who experience it and those who want to support them.
Constant Worry About Health
One of the main symptoms of Illness Anxiety Disorder is constantly worrying about one's health. A person with this condition often spends excessive amounts of time thinking about their health, even when there’s no reason to believe anything is wrong.
For someone with this disorder, everyday aches and pains may feel like signs of a serious illness. A mild headache might be seen as a brain tumor or a slight cough could be interpreted as lung cancer. These thoughts can lead to repeated checking of the body for signs of illness, such as feeling for lumps, taking their temperature, or examining their skin. This constant checking often increases anxiety rather than relieving it.
Frequent Doctor Visits
Another common symptom is the need for frequent doctor visits. People with Illness Anxiety Disorder often seek reassurance from medical professionals that they are not seriously ill. They might visit multiple doctors, even if they’ve been told there’s nothing wrong. While seeing a doctor may temporarily ease their fears, the anxiety usually returns, leading to more visits.
Impact on Daily Life
Living with Illness Anxiety Disorder can make daily life challenging. The constant worry and fear can take up a lot of time and energy, leaving little room for other activities. People with this condition might find it hard to concentrate at work or school, and their relationships might suffer because they’re so focused on their health concerns.
Physical Symptoms
Although Illness Anxiety Disorder is primarily a mental health condition, it can also cause physical symptoms. These symptoms are often the result of anxiety and stress rather than an underlying medical issue. Common physical symptoms include:
Muscle tension: Constant worry can lead to tense muscles, which might cause pain or discomfort.
Headaches: Stress and anxiety often trigger headaches, making the person feel even more convinced that something is wrong.
Stomach problems: Anxiety can lead to stomachaches, nausea, or even changes in bowel habits.
Fatigue: The mental and physical toll of constant worry can leave a person feeling exhausted.
Seeking Help and Treatment
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of Illness Anxiety Disorder, it’s important to seek help. Therapy can be very effective in managing this condition. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common treatments, helping people change the way they think about their health and reducing the behaviors that fuel their anxiety.
Medication, such as antidepressants, may also be recommended in some cases, especially if the anxiety is severe. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan.
Daily Coping Strategies
In addition to professional treatment, there are daily strategies that can help manage the symptoms of Illness Anxiety Disorder:
Limit health-related research: Avoid searching the internet for symptoms or illnesses, as this often increases anxiety. Enlisting the help of a friend or family member to do medical-related research can also help you get the right information without spiraling.
Connect with others: Talking to friends, family, or support groups can provide reassurance and reduce feelings of isolation. Many social media sites have online communities for health-related anxiety as well.
Understanding Illness Anxiety Disorder and its symptoms is the first step toward managing the condition. With the right support and treatment, it’s possible to live a full life, even with health anxiety. If you are struggling with illness anxiety, do not hesitate to contact my office for anxiety counseling!