What we treat

Illness anxiety disorder, previously called hypochondriasis or health anxiety, is worrying excessively that you are or may become seriously ill.

You may have no physical symptoms. Or you may believe that normal body sensations or minor symptoms are signs of severe illness, even though a thorough medical exam doesn't reveal a serious medical condition.

You may experience extreme anxiety that body sensations, such as muscle twitching or fatigue, are associated with a specific, serious illness.

This excessive anxiety — rather than the physical symptom itself — results in severe distress that can disrupt your life.

Most people with illness anxiety who receive therapy finish feeling better and more able to manage their symptoms.

Health concern vs Illness anxiety

If you’re concerned about your health, the rational thing to do is see your doctor.

With illness anxiety, you’ll feel extreme distress about your real or imagined symptoms even after medical test results come back negative and doctors reassure you that you’re healthy.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of illness anxiety disorder involve preoccupation with the idea that you're seriously ill, based on normal body sensations (such as a noisy stomach) or minor signs (such as a minor rash).

Signs and symptoms may include:

• Being preoccupied with having or getting 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

• 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

• Finding little or no reassurance from doctor visits or negative test results

• 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

These symptoms may cause difficulties in day-to-day activities such as work, studying, social activities or relationships with others.

Other struggles

Read more about the other difficulties we treat:

Stress

Depression

Worrying lots about different things

Flashbacks or nightmares of a trauma

Obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviours

Social anxiety

Specific phobias

Panic attacks

Perceived flaws in appearance

Loss or bereavement

Expressing anger

Problems in relationships

Talking therapy

If you could be struggling with illness anxiety disorder, read about the talking therapies we offer to see how they could help you. You may also like to read some feedback and encouragements by those who received therapy with us.

Self-help resources

Be sure to check out our useful section of self-help resources for wellbeing.

Employment advice

Alongside therapy our Employment Team can help you find employment or training, and support you with workplace adjustments or disputes.