Two Types of Illness Anxiety

Health anxiety is a persistent and irrational fear of having an illness. It was historically known as hypochondria, and is now sometimes referred to as health anxiety. This condition is characterized by a strong person is constant, intense imagination of possible symptoms of illness occurring to him. These symptoms are generally not realistic, but can be very terrifying for the patient. It is very common in women, as they are more susceptible to illness panic than men.

Health anxiety is not harmful to your health, but rather a symptom of something that may be serious. If you begin to notice unusual body sensations, or start having panic attacks, it is important to go see your doctor right away to get a professional diagnosis. Doctors will use a variety of tests to assess your mental health. Some symptoms common to this condition include:

Many people experience mild health anxiety occasionally. These symptoms generally center around colds, such as a sore throat, or a cough. You may also worry a great deal about catching a cold or a disease. If this is a problem, it is usually easy to correct by taking vitamins or using some relaxation techniques.

More serious anxiety usually results from something like a stroke or an aneurysm. If you are worried about catching a disease, you might worry constantly about coming into contact with people, or about sneezing in public. Other symptoms common to this condition include: chest pains, dizziness, sweating, nausea, and trouble breathing. The goal of most treatments for this type of anxiety is to ease the symptoms so that you can live your daily life.

There is another type of health anxiety that can lead to a fear of having a serious illness. This worry can be very intense, leading to real fears about a heart attack or stroke. Because these intense feelings come on rapidly and abruptly, many people think they are experiencing a heart attack or dying. These conditions are very serious and require immediate treatment by your doctor. However, if your symptoms do not subside over time, this could be a sign that you have a mild form of social phobia, rather than a more serious illness.

Serious illness anxiety disorder can have a profound effect on a person’s mental health, even if the symptoms are not present. Symptoms can include: severe panic attacks, constant fatigue, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and depression. Because these symptoms are so strong and powerful, they often take a very serious toll on the quality of a loved one’s life.

In order to treat this condition, you will want to talk to your doctors. There are several treatment options available. If your symptoms are mild, you may simply want to try out some relaxation techniques, or perhaps even see a therapist. Many people find that the only way they can overcome this condition is to undergo rigorous medical tests, including blood tests, stool samples, allergy testing, and more.

Your health conditions may require that you visit a doctor for a physical exam. When you go to the doctor for a physical exam, your health condition will be diagnosed. You will likely be prescribed medication to help alleviate the symptoms you are experiencing. If the symptoms you are experiencing are severe, your doctor may recommend that you be evaluated for an anxiety disorder. Although your doctor may recommend that you undergo a mental health evaluation first, it is not uncommon for health conditions to be diagnosed through a physical exam as well.

Anxiety disorders often times begin in a normal body function, such as if you have digestive problems. If you have digestive problems, you may worry that something is seriously wrong with your health, and therefore you begin to worry about your body’s reactions to various symptoms. As your condition worsens, your worry increases, and you may find yourself having more severe and frequent symptoms.

Another common illness anxiety disorder is called hypochondriasis. A person with hypochondriasis suffers from persistent irrational fears that often times do not have any basis to exist. Someone with hypochondriasis often worries that they may be suffering from some type of death, or disease, or other health condition. They worry constantly and cannot relax and enjoy normal body functions like they are used to.

One of the most common symptoms of this condition is the inability to fall asleep, as your fears keep you awake. This inability to fall asleep will make it even more difficult to rest, and get the quality sleep your body and brain need to function normally. Many people with this condition also experience headaches, nausea, sweating and shaking. People who have this fear often times think they are having a stroke, and that they may die.