Illness Anxiety Disorder (formerly known as hypochondriasis) is a mental health condition where individuals experience excessive worry about having or developing a serious medical illness, even when little or no medical evidence supports those fears. This constant preoccupation can interfere with daily life, cause distress, and lead to repeated medical visits.
At Reverent Health Psychiatry, we provide accessible online treatment for Illness Anxiety Disorder in New York and Tennessee, offering compassionate care that helps patients manage worry, reduce fear, and regain peace of mind.
What is Illness Anxiety Disorder?
Illness Anxiety Disorder is characterized by a persistent fear of illness, often despite reassurance from medical professionals or normal test results. Unlike Somatic Symptom Disorder, the focus is on the fear of illness itself rather than ongoing physical symptoms.
Common signs include:
- Preoccupation with health or fear of having a serious condition
- Repeatedly checking for symptoms or body changes
- Avoiding doctors due to fear of bad news
- Excessive health-related internet searches
- Significant anxiety that impacts relationships, work, and daily activities
How Reverent Health Psychiatry Can Help
At Reverent Health Psychiatry, we help patients break the cycle of worry and restore balance through:
- Medication management for anxiety or depression that often accompanies Illness Anxiety Disorder.
- Brief supportive therapy to develop healthier ways of coping with uncertainty.
- Referrals for specialized therapy, such as CBT, which is highly effective in treating health-related anxiety.
- Education and reassurance that builds trust and reduces unnecessary medical interventions.
- Holistic care, recognizing the mind-body connection and helping patients feel supported in every aspect of their well-being.
Treatment Options (General Overview)
- Medications: SSRIs or other anti-anxiety medications when symptoms are severe.
- Psychotherapy referrals: CBT helps patients challenge catastrophic thoughts and reduce reassurance-seeking.
- Stress management: Relaxation, mindfulness, and structured daily routines.
- Collaborative care: Working with primary care providers to balance necessary medical evaluation with appropriate psychiatric treatment.
Break free from constant health worries
Schedule a virtual consultation today with Reverent Health Psychiatry.