Question 1

should i see doc about what i think is health anxiety i am not one to self diagnose.and im not i just suspect it as i am always worried about getting ill and i dont eat much incase i get ecoli or something these issues started after medical emergency?

Accepted Answer

: Yes you should. Hope you do well.

Question 2

i have health anxiety & im so scared of pancreatic cancer. seems like people get it regardless of health. im 20 years old & scared ill get it soon :(?

Accepted Answer

A good concern: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most feared cancer. It along with brain cancer(glioblastoma multiforme) is the most difficult to treat.Pancreatic cancer tends to be a disease of older patients.Early symptoms related to liver dysfunction (nausea/vomiting, new diabetes mellitus, jaundice) may be hints that it is occurring and triggers an evaluation. Newer diagnostic tests are being developed.

Question 3

can health anxiety really affect the body that much? i read about a symptom then get it and end up terrified

Accepted Answer

Yes: Health anxiety is associated with hypersensitivity to subtle changes in the body as well as preoccupation of thoughts that can result in perception of symtoms, or in many cases rumination/fear about negative health outcomes. If not treated it can increase in intensity over time to the point that it severely impacts ability to function day to day. Effective treatment is available - see comments.

Question 4

how can i get over serious health anxiety?

Accepted Answer

David Adams Story: Unwanted thoughts re: having a health issue is common manifestation of ocd. For compelling story about how such obsessions can take over someone's life, read this excerpt of science writer david adam's personal story of living in fear of contracting hiv: http://bit.Ly/pj1q7t (his book: the man who couldn't stop: ocd, and the true story of a life lost in thought)  suggest expert diagnosis ; help!

Question 5

can health anxiety cause fibromyalgia like symptoms?

Accepted Answer

They are related: There is clearly an association as about 20 percent of patients diagnosed with the chronic pain associated with Fibromyalgia also suffer from an anxiety disorder or depression. Symptoms of fibromyalgia are multiple. Causation is a different question. A comprehensive evaluation is recommended.

Question 6

can health anxiety(hypochondria)cause u to imagine symptoms that arent there? keep thinking i have different diseases and then seem to notice symptoms

Accepted Answer

Health anxiety: may cause heightened awareness of even normal bodily sensations. Attention may be focused on those sensations and then one's imagination might take it from there.

Question 7

how can i get rid of my severe health anxiety?

Accepted Answer

: You get a thorough checkup. Then when you are deemed okay, you get a referral to a life coach/counsellor to teach you stress management. While you learn you may learn that "health anxiety" is a coverup for other hidden anxiety you need to explore and face. Do the work and this can get better. If you do not, your life remains as it is.

Question 8

what do you think i should do to get over my health anxiety/phobia?

Accepted Answer

CBT: Cognitive behavioral therapy is excellent for phobias & anxiety disorders.

Question 9

my health anxiety is starting to get the better of me. recommendations for managing it without a prescription medication?

Accepted Answer

: Find a life coach/therapist that will teach you the skillset needed to manage stress/anxiety. While you work on it you may discover an underlying subconscious issue (about something else entirely)  that manifests as health phobia. It is easier for our conscious mind to accept a focus on health than it is on what others may not consider important.

Question 10

what's a good way to cope with health anxiety? i don't usually have these episodes.  what should i think about when i get paranoid?

Accepted Answer

Check up -1st step: You want to have a complete check up with your regular doctor to be sure that you are in top shape and that there is nothing to be concerned about. If there is a health issue, you want to know the facts so you can deal with it. If anxiety and paranoid ideas persist, you should speak with a mental health specialist so you understand them and deal with them also.

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Doctor answers about:

Health anxiety has caused me to get sick

A member asked:

Should i see doc about what i think is health anxiety i am not one to self diagnose.and im not i just suspect it as i am always worried about getting ill and i dont eat much incase i get ecoli or something these issues started after medical emergency?

A member asked:

I have health anxiety & im so scared of pancreatic cancer. seems like people get it regardless of health. im 20 years old & scared ill get it soon :(?

A member asked:

Can health anxiety really affect the body that much? i read about a symptom then get it and end up terrified

A member asked:

How can i get over serious health anxiety?

A member asked:

Can health anxiety cause fibromyalgia like symptoms?

A member asked:

Can health anxiety(hypochondria)cause u to imagine symptoms that arent there? keep thinking i have different diseases and then seem to notice symptoms

A member asked:

How can i get rid of my severe health anxiety?

A member asked:

What do you think i should do to get over my health anxiety/phobia?

A member asked:

My health anxiety is starting to get the better of me. recommendations for managing it without a prescription medication?

A member asked:

What's a good way to cope with health anxiety? i don't usually have these episodes. what should i think about when i get paranoid?

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