A member asked:

I was just wondering why does health anxiety make things worse?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Excessive anxiety: over health might lead to making mountains out of molehills. For instance, a person might become unnecessarily anxious because of even mild, insignificant symptoms. This type of anxiety might become the focus of one's energy rather than focusing on becoming healthy.

Answered 6/27/2018

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Vicious cycle: When prone to worrying about health, one is vigilant for bodily changes and notices the slightest "sign" of illness. The more one "looks," the more likely something is to be noticed. The more what is noticed is attended, the larger it seems. This is in addition to the cascade of chemicals that wash over you as you obsess, which also heighten your sensitivity to changes. Self help guide below.

Answered 7/4/2017

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