Hypochondria (Illness Anxiety Disorder) Symptoms & Treatment

Hypochondria & OCD

Hypochondria shares some characteristics of OCD but it is important to note that they are separate conditions. Although fears around health are common obsessions for those with Health Concern Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, individuals with Hypochondria fear they have a disease. In addition, it is also possible for someone to be diagnosed with both OCD and hypochondria.

Treatment for Hypochondria

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is mainly used in anxiety treatment programs, is also an effective treatment for people diagnosed with hypochondria. CBT involves identifying the thoughts and emotions the patient experiences and the things the patient does to cope with those emotions. The aim of the CBT is to change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that maintain hypochondria. Some patients may also benefit from a different psychological therapy, such as trauma-focused therapy. Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants to help patients manage their symptoms.

Mindful-Based CBT teaches patients that everyone experiences intrusive thoughts. Individuals will also learn that intrusive thoughts have no power over them and that by responding to their thoughts through compulsive behaviors, their thoughts are given more strength and credibility and their fears and obsessions are strengthened and reinforced. Mindfulness-Based CBT is a very effective OCD treatment, especially when combined with ERP.

ERP exposes patients to situations related to their intrusive thoughts that cause them anxiety. The goal of this treatment is for the patient to prevent himself or herself from completing their compulsive behaviors when triggered by intrusive thoughts. The situations that are confronted will intensify over time, until the patient can face and overcome their most feared scenario. Once they are able to stop themselves from responding to their intrusive thoughts with compulsive behaviors, they can experience tremendous relief from the symptoms of OCD.

If patients are suffering from severe levels of anxiety due to their OCD, they may benefit from participating in treatment at an Intensive Outpatient (IOP) OCD treatment program, as is offered by The Gateway Institute. The Gateway Institute offers Intensive Outpatient treatment options as well as regular outpatient psychotherapy sessions, and a free, 30 minute face-to-face consultation with one of our experienced and caring clinicians at our locations in Orange County California, Seattle Washington, and the San Francisco Bay Area. OCD symptoms typically worsen over time and can take over a person’s life, so it is very important to seek OCD treatment as soon as possible with a skilled and dedicated OCD specialist who can provide expertise and support during this journey.

Common Symptoms of Hypochondria

Hypochondria become a serious problem when symptoms are persistent for at least six months.

• Being fixated on the idea of being sick or acquiring a serious disease or illness
• Believing that aches or body reactions are actually horrible diseases
• Panic / Anxiety Attacks about the condition of your health
• Continued worrying after a diagnosis has been made
• Being preoccupied about the thoughts of your risk of acquiring or inheriting health issues because members of the family have it
• Excessive distress about possible medical condition that is affecting your social, occupational and professional relationship
• Repetitive and excessively monitoring self for possible indications of illness
• Consulting several doctors for second opinions — or avoidance of medical care for fear of discovering a serious medical condition
• Avoiding social contacts and events for the fear of getting infected with illness
• Searching Google or WebMD regarding symptoms you experience