Overcome Health Anxiety with Online Therapy

Category: Health Anxiety Online Therapy | Last updated: February 1st, 2022 | Reviewed and approved by:
Dr. Steven Gans, MD
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD

Are You Health Conscious or Health Anxious?

Almost every one of us gets concerned about our health and well-being. And that concern can motivate us to try to optimize our eating, sleep and to lead a healthy lifestyle. Being health conscious can be great. It helps a lot in leading a healthy, happy, successful and meaningful life.

However, problems arise when this health consciousness gets transformed into “health anxiousness”. If you become too obsessed about your health and if you get too apprehensive that you are suffering from a severe illness (without the presence of such medical symptoms), then you may be experiencing health anxiety. In the past, psychologists referred to this as “hypochondria”. However, it is now called Illness Anxiety Disorder.

Illness Anxiety Disorder is a somatic symptom disorder in which the person suffering from it gets overly anxious or obsessed over his/her physical conditions. They see even a minor problem as an exaggerated severe illness. People suffering from Illness Anxiety Disorder often require continuous care, support and assurance from health service providers, family and acquaintances.

See if you recognize yourself in the symptoms of health anxiety:

Being preoccupied with having or developing a serious disease or health condition
Worrying that minor symptoms or body sensations mean you have a serious illness
Being easily alarmed about your health status
Finding little or no reassurance from doctor visits or negative test results
Worrying excessively about a specific medical condition or your risk of developing a medical condition because it runs in your family
Having so much distress about possible illnesses that it's hard for you to function
Repeatedly checking your body for signs of illness or disease
Frequently making medical appointments for reassurance — or avoiding medical care for fear of being diagnosed with a serious illness
Avoiding people, places or activities for fear of health risks
Constantly talking about your health and possible illnesses
Frequently searching the internet for causes of symptoms or possible illnesses

What’s more, people with Illness Anxiety Disorder can also experience additional mental health issues, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Clinical Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Treatment Procedures

The good news is that Illness Anxiety Disorder can be treated. Effective methods of treatment include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy and support. You can receive these types of treatment here at Online Therapy.

Reviews

Our online therapy services have received 3482 reviews and the average rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I signed up because I was heading down a road filled with negativity, but Angela Selvaggio helped prevent that. I was sure I was going back to my bad habits and behaviors so I signed up so I can manage them. Through the worksheets and sessions with Angela I have been able to manage my feelings and bad habits. I found this site useful and my therapist, Angela, very helpful."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Rebeca was freaking awesome! I hope I when I come back for therapy, I can have her as my therapist again. It helped me alot and to see other point of views that I couldnt see by myself. Thank you!"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I have seen Shawn Matthews for five sessions now and have felt like I have come away from each session with new information about myself. I have seen several therapists over the years prior to Shawn, and would rate her near the top of the list."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Everyone goes through their own unique journey. I certainly have. For the longest time, it felt unfair and I had a lot of rage. I had a lot of anxiety and a lot of pain. Therapy helped me realize I can't control what happens but I can control how I react to events. It taught me that I am not my thoughts - I am the detached, calm, and silent observer observing those thoughts and emotions. Karen Coupe helped me a lot and I am grateful."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Very helpful. Positive and hopeful"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"It’s been good"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I have felt a shift since starting the therapy. Really enjoyed Mojgan as a therapist. Not only did she listen, she provided helpful feedback and tools. Learned new things about myself. Although my chronic illness continues I am finding different ways to look at it and manage it. I am signing up for things instead of avoiding so that I get out of my comfort zone. Signed up for drum class and a photo shoot for women over 40! Very outside my comfort zone but I am excited."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"I was at a really low spot, honestly, and it was my own fault. But Kacey has really helped me pinpoint some things that I've always known were wrong, but didn't know how to address. She also helped hold me accountable for beginning to exercise again, and encourages me to give myself credit for where I'm already at. That in itself is a priceless piece of advice that has taught me alot. Online Therapy is the best thing that's happened to me in a long time."

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Its really easy to talk to my therapist, feels like a friend but also a guiding figure. Thank you guys so much :)"

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Rating: [5 out of 5 stars!]

"Shawn,
Very thorough and insightful with our couples session, Shawn was a good mediator between my wife and I."

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