Understanding Health Anxiety

Health anxiety, formally recognized as illness anxiety disorder, is marked by excessive worry about illness, often triggered by normal physical sensations. Individuals with this disorder frequently misconstrue benign symptoms as indications of severe health issues, leading to persistent concern lasting at least six months. For example, someone might become fixated on a slight stomach ache and fear it signifies a life-threatening condition. This often prompts behaviors like seeking reassurance from medical professionals or avoiding healthcare altogether, which can further exacerbate their anxiety.