Feeling anxious about our health is something we all experience from time to time. This is usually resolved quickly after seeking appropriate advice.

However, health anxiety is characterised by a constant worry about health, with difficulty ignoring thoughts or doubts about illness and a strong belief that developing a serious physical illness is likely, and that the consequences of being physically ill will be severe and unmanageable.

Due to the intense worries about health, people may ask for reassurance from medical professionals, family and friends, and online, and frequently check themselves for physical symptoms.

Despite this, people can remain convinced that they are seriously ill and that medical professionals have missed something. This focus on the worries and any physical symptoms can generate more worries and maintain a focus on ill health.

People experiencing health anxiety may have had their concerns dismissed by others or may have had the experience of a medical problem being misdiagnosed or missed.

Sometimes people are so anxious about their health that they avoid routine screening or specialist health appointments. Health anxiety can have a severe impact on people’s lives and can often affect day to day life in subtle but significant ways.

Health anxiety is estimated to affect 0.2-8% of the population. In the past this problem has been referred to as hypochondriasis.

The evidence-based treatment for health anxiety is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).

Whilst brief focused CBT may be effective, a longer or more intensive course of treatment may be required to address these difficulties.

An assessment at OHSPIC will include use of standardised questionnaires to assess the severity of the problem, how it impacts on daily life, what thoughts and beliefs are associated with the problem, and an assessment of other difficulties.

CBT at OHSPIC includes:

• Establishing a strong, collaborative relationship between the person experiencing health anxiety and the therapist
• Building a comprehensive shared understanding of the problem, with a focus on what is maintaining the strong conviction that a serious illness is present.
• Exploring ways to make changes, for example to reassurance-seeking and checking for symptoms, and how to go about day-to-day life without a frightening preoccupation with illness.
• Planning activities to restart a less anxious and less restricted life, and work towards longer-term goals.