The exact cause of health anxiety is not known. While there is some evidence that health anxiety, like all anxiety disorders, may in part be an inherited or biologically based problem, it is generally accepted that several other important factors can increase the likelihood of you developing this problem.

Why do you develop health anxiety?

You may be more likely to have health anxiety if you had parents who worried too much about their own health or your health. Past experience. You may have had experience with serious illness in childhood, so physical sensations may be frightening to you.

Can health anxiety be overcome?

Because it's a part of your being, anxiety won't go away completely. But you can lessen its grasp through understanding and self-awareness.

Is health anxiety a form of OCD?

Health anxiety is not a form of OCD, but it can look similar. Illness anxiety disorder and somatic symptom disorder, however, have very different diagnosis criteria compared to OCD. Both health anxiety and OCD are treatable. These conditions can be managed through therapy and self-care strategies.

Is health anxiety common?

Health anxiety is a relatively common condition, known to affect some 4% to 5% of people.

Where does Health Anxiety come from?

Can health anxiety mimic symptoms?

Hypochondria symptoms can vary, depending on factors such as stress, age, and whether the person is already an extreme worrier. Health anxiety can actually have its own symptoms because it's possible for the person to have stomachaches, dizziness, or pain as a result of their overwhelming anxiety.

Can health anxiety cause real symptoms?

Symptoms of anxiety produce very real physical symptoms: Dizziness, stomachaches, rapid heartbeat, tingling in the hands and feet, muscle tension, jitteriness, chest pressure, and the list goes on. These symptoms add fuel to the fire. Now you have real evidence that something is seriously wrong.

Can my mind create symptoms?

When physical symptoms are caused or made worse by your mental state, it's called psychosomatic. Many people believe that psychosomatic symptoms aren't real — but they are, in fact, very real symptoms that have a psychological cause, Jones says.

Can overthinking cause physical symptoms?

But the fact is, worrying can affect the body in ways that may surprise you. When worrying becomes excessive, it can lead to feelings of high anxiety and even cause you to be physically ill.

How do I stop intrusive thoughts about my health?

How to manage intrusive thoughts

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT, you'll work with a therapist to learn ways of thinking that can help you become less sensitive to the intrusive thoughts. ...
2. Medication. Sometimes, medications are used to treat conditions like OCD and PTSD. ...
3. Self-care.

Why am I so afraid of getting sick?

Nosophobia, or illness anxiety disorder, is an uncontrollable and persistent fear of having a serious medical condition. This disorder was also once known as hypochondriasis but has since been changed. If you have this condition, you're easily worried about any changes in your body.

Does health anxiety run in families?

In most cases, the younger the person is when they get anxiety or depression, the more likely it is to be hereditary. Anxiety and depression can still be genetic if they show up in your older family members. But often, new conditions in people that are over the age of 20 are linked to painful or stressful life events.