Many of us will have some concern about our health throughout our lives. Whether it’s about diet, lifestyle, or something else entirely. However, for many people, this is not just a temporary concern, but can become a full-fledged cause for worry and anxiety.
Timothy Scalera, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard University, explains that health anxiety has become something of a catchphrase and is widespread.
It ranges from a healthy level of anxiety about having to see a doctor and have regular check-ups, to an extreme level of anxiety that can lead to an unhealthy obsession with one’s own health. He even has “morbid health concerns.”
“If we tested everyone in the world, we would find out how worried people are about their health and how much of a problem it causes,” Scalera said.
illness anxiety disorder
Colloquially, constant concern for health is known as hypochondria. However, medically speaking, when this concern leads to obsessive or harmful behavior, it is called: illness anxiety disorder. Fear and concern about serious illness can control a person’s life. This is different from health anxiety and is also called hypochondria.
“Essentially, people with illness anxiety disorder worry excessively about getting sick or getting sick, so to speak,” says Scalera. “It’s a topic that sticks with them, thinks about it, ruminates on it, and often upsets them.”
Concerns may lead to Dr. Google
Medical professionals are also currently grappling with an increase in internet searches for medical diagnoses. called google teacheror seek advice online to address their concerns and possible symptoms. This causes a condition known as cyberchondria.
This means repeatedly spending long hours researching symptoms online, which can lead to excessive health concerns and, in some cases, exacerbate existing anxieties. For people who are already prone to health anxiety or who have illness anxiety disorder, Increases stress and causes further problems.
“The bottom line is, if you want to spend 24 hours a day researching something like this, you can do it, and that wasn’t the case 20 years ago,” Scalera said.
While access to such information has its benefits and can be very helpful for some people, the reverse is also true for people who have concerns about their general health or illness, he says. says.
Why is health anxiety a problem?
People with illness anxiety disorder often struggle to feel safe in a rational way, which can lead to “an escalation of repetitive behaviors and strategies to try to relieve it.” says David Smithson, Outreach Manager at Anxiety UK.
This results in frequent visits to the doctor and repeated tests for reassurance. It can also lead to behaviors that can be harmful to your health, such as social isolation and substance abuse, and can also lead to other mental health issues such as depression.
“In some cases, people can get distracted by it and worry about the slightest suggestion or hint that any of those symptoms are present in their body,” Smithson says. “Being suspected of having a serious, life-threatening illness can be very debilitating and can be very worrying for you as an individual.”
Causes and risks
What could be the cause? illness anxiety disorder It may vary from person to person. Many people are predisposed to anxiety disorders, and in some cases, personality traits can predispose them to the disorder, Scalera said. Personal experiences, such as illness or death in the family, can also cause or worsen the disorder.
Many people who suffer from anxiety disorders avoid medical exams It’s entirely out of fear of being diagnosed with a serious health problem.
“People with illness anxiety are so concerned about their health that they often end up believing that they are healthier than others,” Scalera says.
But based on his experience and scientific data, this is usually not the case.
“Part of the problem with anxiety disorders is that attention is in the wrong place, so people actually tend to think less of regular dental care, cancer screenings, or the preventative care that keeps them healthy. Yes,” Scalera said.
a Research published in 2023For example, a study of thousands of people in Sweden found that people with the disorder actually have lower anxiety levels and may die sooner than others. On average, people with illness anxiety disorder died five years earlier and had a higher risk of suicide.
anxiety treatment
But importantly, these are treatable conditions. A variety of treatments can support people with health concerns, especially those with severe conditions such as illness anxiety disorder. This ranges from drug therapy in some cases to psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
“What is that? [treatment] It looks different for everyone,” says Smithson. “In some cases, all you need is knowledge and understanding of the causes of your anxiety so you can better manage it.”
Scalera agrees, stressing that people struggling with health concerns should seek help and support to improve their quality of life.
“This is a treatable condition, and I think it starts with telling your doctor about this and telling them you need help with this,” Scalera says. “People who have had this rule their lives can definitely go back to a place where it doesn’t.”
This article does not provide medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.
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our writers are discovermagazine.com We use peer-reviewed research and high-quality sources in our articles, and our editors review them for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Check out the following sources used in this article.
Sean Mowbray is a freelance writer based in Scotland. Covers topics in the environment, archaeology, and general science. His work has also appeared in outlets such as Mongabay, New Scientist, Hakai Magazine, and Ancient History Magazine.
