Speaking of Psychology How to handle health anxiety, with Karen Lynn Cassiday, PhD
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Aug 28, 2024 
Karen Lynn Cassiday, PhD, an expert on health anxiety and author of "Freedom from Health Anxiety," sheds light on the struggles of those living with health anxiety, especially amplified during the pandemic. She discusses the detrimental effects of "Dr. Google" and misinformation on mental well-being. Effective management strategies through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are shared, including improving communication with healthcare providers. Cassiday emphasizes the vital role of support systems and the need for acceptance of life's uncertainties to foster healthier coping mechanisms.
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Defining Illness Anxiety Disorder
- Health anxiety, known as illness anxiety disorder in the DSM, requires physical symptoms plus excessive worry for at least 6 months.
- It involves either reassurance-seeking like Dr. Google or avoidance of doctors due to fear of bad news.
Genetics and Perception of Illness
- Illness anxiety disorder often comes from a genetic pre-disposition combined with role modeling from anxious family members.
- Patients view illness and death as unusually tragic rather than natural, fueling their anxiety.
Prevalence and Pandemic Impact
- Illness anxiety disorder affects about 3-5% of people but could be underdiagnosed.
- Large health scares like pandemics trigger rises in health anxiety, especially among younger people.