Our ability to live depends on our ability to stay healthy in ways that may or may not be in our control. While our bodies are typically incredible at keeping us safe and healthy, challenges to our health can arise at any time, and it’s because of the randomness and danger associated with those issues that many people develop health anxiety.
Health anxiety, also known as illness anxiety disorder or hypochondria, is a condition characterized by excessive worry about having or developing a serious illness. People with health anxiety often misinterpret normal bodily sensations or minor symptoms as indicators of severe health issues, leading to heightened stress, frequent doctor visits, and sometimes the avoidance of medical care.
Health anxiety is more common than many might realize, affecting people across different demographics and age groups.
Prevalence of Health Anxiety
Health anxiety is estimated to affect about 4-6% of the general population, though some studies suggest that rates may be much higher and simply go undiagnosed, untreated, or underreported.
The prevalence can vary based on environmental factors, societal influences, and periods of heightened health concerns, such as during a pandemic. For individuals with other mental health conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or depression, the likelihood of experiencing health anxiety is even higher.
Among the general population, research indicates that health anxiety affects approximately one in twenty people. However, as health awareness increases and access to medical information becomes more widespread, some experts believe that the rate may be closer to 10% in certain demographics. Some people may also have health anxiety that is a bit more manageable – perhaps not reaching the level of clinically significant – while still affecting a person’s mental health.
Health anxiety is especially common in primary care settings. Studies have found that 15-20% of patients visiting general practitioners report high levels of health-related worry, even when no serious medical condition is present.
Factors Contributing to Health Anxiety
Several factors can contribute to the development of health anxiety, including genetic, psychological, and environmental influences. These include, but are not limited to:
- Panic Attacks/Other Anxiety – Panic attacks can play a role in the development of health anxiety. Because panic attacks can be such immensely physical events, with symptoms that mimic other health disorders, those with panic disorder may develop health anxiety as a response. Similarly, those with other anxiety disorders may be more prone to worrying, resulting in health anxiety.
- Family History – Those with a family history of anxiety disorders may be more susceptible to health anxiety, as genetics play a role in anxiety-related conditions.
- Personality Traits – People who have higher sensitivity to bodily sensations or who tend to ruminate may be more likely to experience health anxiety. Perfectionistic tendencies can also make individuals more prone to worrying excessively about their health.
- Access to Health Information – The abundance of online medical information has increased awareness of potential illnesses, which, for some, translates to increased anxiety. The practice of “cyberchondria,” or repeatedly searching symptoms online, can amplify worries and lead to a cycle of health anxiety.
- Traumatic Health Experiences – People who have experienced a severe illness, either personally or in close family members, may develop health anxiety. Past trauma related to health can make people more hyper-aware of bodily sensations and more likely to fear the worst-case scenario.
Health crises, such as pandemics or outbreaks, can contribute significantly to the prevalence of health anxiety. During such times, individuals may become hyper-aware of their physical symptoms and experience increased worry about contracting illnesses. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, saw a substantial rise in reported health anxiety, with many people experiencing heightened concerns about infection, contamination, and long-term health impacts.
Impacts of Health Anxiety
Health anxiety affects individuals not only mentally but also in their behaviors and lifestyle. Examples of the ways that health anxiety may affect a person include:
- Frequent Medical Visits – People with health anxiety often seek reassurance through repeated medical appointments, which can strain healthcare resources and lead to unnecessary testing.
- Avoidance Behavior – Paradoxically, some with health anxiety avoid seeking medical care out of fear of discovering a severe illness. This avoidance can delay necessary treatments and worsen physical and mental health.
- Quality of Life – Health anxiety often leads to social withdrawal, increased stress, and a diminished quality of life, as individuals may avoid activities or people they associate with potential health risks.
- Experience of Symptoms – Health anxiety makes a person more “in tune” with their bodies and sensitive to changes. This means that a typically normal sensation feels stronger than it would without health anxiety, leading to further worries.
Because health anxiety contributes to health concerns when no health issue is present, it can also cause people to feel like they may suddenly die, like diagnoses are being missed, and more. The experience of living with health anxiety can be a powerful and unpleasant one.
Treatment and Management of Health Anxiety
Health anxiety can be managed through several effective treatments:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – CBT is one of the most effective treatments for health anxiety, helping individuals challenge irrational thoughts, reduce symptom-checking behavior, and manage health-related worries.
- Mindfulness Practices – Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help people stay grounded and decrease the frequency of health-related intrusive thoughts.
- Exposure Therapy – For some, exposure therapy, which gradually reduces the avoidance of feared situations, can help lessen anxiety responses and build tolerance for health-related uncertainty.
At Long Island Counseling Services, we’ll provide personalized support to help you manage health anxiety with treatments that are built around you.
Getting the Help You Need for Your Health
In today’s information-rich, health-conscious world, health anxiety is likely to become increasingly common. With heightened awareness, individuals and healthcare providers can better recognize and address health anxiety, helping those affected find reassurance and manage their symptoms effectively. At Long Island Counseling Services, our therapists are here to help those struggling with health anxiety stay calm in the face of worry while still taking care of their needs. For more information, please contact Long Island Counseling Services, today.