Question 1

could health anxiety cause you to imagine symptoms that are not really there?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It certainly can. Most often it magnifies concern over minor problems or normal presentation of anatomy or physiology. See your md and rule out problems you are concerned about and ask for a referral to a mental health professional who I am sure can help with your anxiety. Good luck!

Question 2

could health anxiety make you feel symptoms of illnesses you don't actually have?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The mind is very powerful and can generate many emotional and physical feelings--including symptoms of illnesses you don't have.  Anxiety is a prime trigger that can cause you to feel body symptoms that do not indicate a physical illness.

Question 3

if u have health anxiety and are obsessed by a illness can u imagine the symptoms u have read about?

Accepted Answer

Exactly so: Yes, if you have an anxiety disorder it is easy to find that it expresses itself in fears of bodily iliness.  These can be things you've read about or things your mind makes up.  Cognitive behavioral therapy and stress management can be very helpful.  Peace and good health.

Question 4

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 5

is it normal for someone with health anxiety to notice symptoms of the diseases they believe they are suffering from?

Accepted Answer

Yes: That is the curse of having health anxiety. Normal bodily sensations and abnormal bodily sensations all are perceived as signs of illness... making it very difficult for either the patient or the doctor to tell when the patient is actually sick (other than suffering the sickness of health anxiety). The patient must teach himself which of his pains, his cramps, his sniffles, etc., are normal.

Question 6

im a 16 y/o male & i have alot of health anxiety about cancer.i am really healthy and fit. i was wondering what are some of the most common symptoms r?

Accepted Answer

Different types: So many cancers - they don't share symptoms except for very generally if at all. A basic full exam w/ blood work and other basic labs would raise flags for deeper work - if there's no flag - you can relax. This is especially true for young healthy folk. Unexpected weight loss and internal bleeding, lumps or moles that are unusual, sore throat, etc. that lasts long w/ dry coughing may alert you.

Question 7

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 8

what to do if my health anxiety (hypochondriasis) is at its breaking point? extreme worrying about health symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Difficult times: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns has triggered profound emotional deterioration in many.  Your fears can be managed by a desensitization program utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy and biofeedback.  Contact your family doctor to obtain such referrals.

Question 9

i have health anxiety and i constantly assume every symptom is a fatal illness. this is ruining my life and i don't see any future. only 22 :(

Accepted Answer

CBT: In contrast to other forms of psychotherapy, cognitive therapy is usually more focused on the present, more time-limited, and more problem-solving oriented. In addition, patients learn specific skills that they can use for the rest of their lives. These skills involve identifying distorted thinking, modifying beliefs, relating to others in different ways, and changing behaviors.

Question 10

i have health anxiety and after 4 months of medication my psychosomatic symptoms seemed to mostly go away but they're back for almost a week. why?

Accepted Answer

Not sure.: Are you premenstrual or having your period? Are there new stressors/ triggers coming up? Are you touching on an anxiety inducing issue in therapy?  If you aren't in some form of talking therapy - strongly recommend that. Take care.

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Doctor answers about:

Physical symptoms of health anxiety

A member asked:

Could health anxiety cause you to imagine symptoms that are not really there?

A member asked:

Could health anxiety make you feel symptoms of illnesses you don't actually have?

A member asked:

If u have health anxiety and are obsessed by a illness can u imagine the symptoms u have read about?

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:

Is it normal for someone with health anxiety to notice symptoms of the diseases they believe they are suffering from?

A member asked:

Im a 16 y/o male & i have alot of health anxiety about cancer.i am really healthy and fit. i was wondering what are some of the most common symptoms r?

A member asked:

Can health anxiety cause fibromyalgia like symptoms?

A member asked:

What to do if my health anxiety (hypochondriasis) is at its breaking point? extreme worrying about health symptoms?

A member asked:

I have health anxiety and i constantly assume every symptom is a fatal illness. this is ruining my life and i don't see any future. only 22 :(

A member asked:

I have health anxiety and after 4 months of medication my psychosomatic symptoms seemed to mostly go away but they're back for almost a week. why?

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