Ever since the pandemic, many people are experiencing an excessive preoccupation with their health, often to the point of imagining or exaggerating symptoms of illness. For those with health anxiety, every minor ache or pain can be a cause for concern, leading to endless hours spent researching symptoms online, visiting doctors and specialists, and undergoing medical tests and procedures. The fear of being ill can become all-consuming, affecting one’s quality of life and relationships with others.
While it may feel overwhelming at times, you are not alone in your struggles. Amidst this anxiety and fear, it’s essential to follow the right techniques to overcome this health anxiety. Talking about the same, Dr Sachin Baliga, Consultant, Psychiatry, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru said that health Anxiety, scientifically known as Illness Anxiety Disorder or Hypochondriasis, is a psychiatric disorder characterized by an excessive preoccupation with the idea that one has developed a serious illness. “Initially thought of as a type of anxiety disorder, it is now being increasingly recognised as a part of the obsessive-compulsive group of related disorders,” he said.
Dr Baliga said that a person who develops health anxiety begins to frequently interpret normal bodily symptoms as being a sign of a serious underlying medical condition. “A major part of their day-to-day life is consumed by these thoughts and as a result, they spend a lot of time trying to figure out what illness they might have. These individuals end up making frequent visits to doctors and get investigated, but are not convinced (or only momentarily convinced) when all test results come normal,” he added.
Dr Baliga said that a person who develops health anxiety begins to frequently interpret normal bodily symptoms as being a sign of a serious underlying medical condition (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
As for treatment, Dr Baliga said that it can be difficult as patients find it hard to believe that there is no physical cause for their symptoms and nothing is physically wrong with them. “Its management frequently involves a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) along with medications,” he said, sharing the aims of this therapy.
*Identifying their beliefs about having a serious illness
*Learning to deal with unhelpful thoughts about body sensations
*Finding healthy ways to respond to these sensations and the stress without resorting to repeatedly checking for signs of illness or seeking reassurance by running tests/ visiting doctors
He said that medications have also been found to help in “reducing the intensity of the preoccupation and the accompanying distress and can also help to manage associated depression or anxiety disorders”.
Dr Shuchin Bajaj, Founder and Director, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals also listed some tips for managing health anxiety.
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*Educate yourself: Learn about the common causes and symptoms of anxiety and the conditions you fear. This can help you distinguish between normal sensations and symptoms that require medical attention.
*Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
*Limit reassurance seeking: Continuously seeking reassurance from friends, family, or medical professionals can reinforce the belief that there is something wrong and exacerbate anxiety.
*Seek professional help: A mental health professional can help you identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to health anxiety. They can also help you develop coping strategies and provide support.
*Practice healthy habits: Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can help reduce anxiety and promote overall physical and mental health.
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