Health Anxiety Therapist in Boston, MA
About Health Anxiety
Health anxiety revolves around spending too much time worrying that you’re sick or going to be sick to the point that it completely takes over your life. Believe it or not, health anxiety does have a relation to obsessive-compulsive disorder. This type of anxiety is based on misinterpretations of dangerous bodily sensations. Aside from constant worrying and fear, people with this condition tend to have an increased heart rate and higher blood pressure. Higher saliva levels, trouble breathing, unstable balance, and lack of muscle tone are also changing factors.
People diagnosed with health anxiety are constantly searching for reassurance from their doctors, such as repeated medical tests and frequent visits to the ER and Urgent Care. It usually becomes a constant cycle of reassurance where relief is continuously sought. Although reassurance from a doctor does decrease anxiety and create temporary relief, keep in mind that this pattern could take a drastic turn into a new symptom on the horizon.
On the other hand, some people do the complete opposite. Some people who have health anxiety avoid doctors due to the fear of learning they have a life-threatening disease. This also includes avoiding medical tests due to the thought of being startled by the information the doctor provides. Overall, people with this disorder are unable to function and enjoy their quality of life due to constant fear.
Symptoms May Include
Continuous worrying about one’s health
Continuously examining the body for signs of illness.
Continuously asking people for reassurance.
Negative thoughts about a doctor missing something.
Reading about health information obsessively
Avoiding anything health or illness-related.
Health Anxiety Selfcare
Noting how often you check your body and ask for reassurance in a diary
Taking on your thoughts
Staying busy or distracted with other activities
Getting back into your previous and regular routine
Performing breathing exercises and relaxing
Health Anxiety Risk Factors
Health anxiety commonly emerges in early to middle adulthood, though it can develop at any age. It may intensify over time, particularly in the presence of certain risk factors, such as:
Exposure to significant life stressors or major life changes
Experiencing or witnessing a serious health scare
A history of childhood trauma or adversity
Having had a significant childhood illness or a parent with chronic or serious illness
Engaging in frequent online health research or “cyberchondria”
Health Anxiety Complications
Health anxiety can be associated with the following complications:
Persistent worry or tension within family or interpersonal relationships
Difficulties maintaining focus and performance in the workplace
Impaired daily functioning, potentially resulting in reduced quality of life
Excessive healthcare utilization, leading to financial or logistical strain
Co-occurring mental health concerns, such as depression, generalized anxiety, or social anxiety disorders
Health Anxiety Treatment in Boston, MA
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the most effective treatment of health anxiety. Treatment is crucial for people who have developed emotional and physical symptoms. ERP is a necessary component of CBT for most anxiety conditions, especially health anxiety. The two components include exposures—facing fears in a systematic, gradual, and purposeful manner to elicit anxiety—and response (or ritual) prevention—actively resisting safety behaviors and other avoidant strategies that only offer a short-term reduction of symptoms but maintain the cycle of anxiety and avoidance in the long-term. Our therapists will guide you to progressively face the situations and thoughts that provoke your health anxiety while learning how not to react with rituals, compulsions, reassurance seeking, or avoidance.
Health Anxiety Causes
There is no exact cause of health anxiety, but there are various factors that can lead to it.
Cognitive factors: Individuals with health anxiety often find it difficult to tolerate uncertainty regarding physical sensations or bodily changes. This may lead to misinterpretations of normal or benign sensations as signs of serious illness. Consequently, individuals may engage in repeated checking, reassurance seeking, or excessive health-related research to confirm or disprove their fears.
Family history: A family history of anxiety or health-related worry may contribute to the development of health anxiety. Growing up in an environment where health concerns were frequently expressed or emphasized can shape beliefs about illness and vulnerability.
Past experiences: Previous experiences of serious illness—whether personal or involving a loved one—can heighten sensitivity to health-related threats. Early exposure to trauma or medical distress may also contribute to ongoing vigilance and fear regarding one’s health.