Physical Symptoms Of Health Anxiety (
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Health anxiety can be caused by a variety of causes that can trigger it, like watching a loved one get sick or die, or working an uneasy job in the healthcare sector. People suffering from this condition typically have a churning abdominal and excessive sweating.
They also mistakenly interpret common bodily sensations like headaches or coughs as signs of an illness that is serious. They can spend hours searching the internet for answers and seeking reassurance from medical professionals.
1. Headache
As everyone is concerned about their health at some point, the irrational fear of illness anxiety disorder (formerly known as hypochondria) can disrupt your daily life. You could spend hours searching online for your symptoms and believe that the most normal sensation could be an indication of something more serious. A headache, for example can cause you to believe that you have a tumor on your brain, but it's actually an alcohol-related hangover.
The sufferers of illness
clinical anxiety symptoms are extremely vigilant about any changes in their bodies and can't control their fear, despite repeated assurances from medical professionals and negative test results. The anxiety associated with illness can result in other issues, such as avoiding social and work activities and having difficulty maintaining close relationships.
If you're experiencing anxiety has a negative impact on your life, it's important to seek out help. Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy is the most popular treatment for health anxiety. Sometimes, your doctor will prescribe medication to treat anxiety. To begin, visit your GP or contact the Priory for a world class mental health assessment. Our experts are able to diagnose anxiety disorders and offer treatment. Our therapists will help you to understand the causes of your anxiety and teach you coping strategies.
2. Muscle is twitching
Another physical symptom of
anxiety symptoms headache-related health issues is muscle shaking. These muscle spasms that are involuntary can occur anywhere in the body and are a result of continuous stress and nervous system stimulation. When someone is suffering from significant anxiety, they might consider any unusual or uncomfortable sensations as signs of a serious disease. They may be obsessed with their symptoms, "Google" them or seek out a lot of reassurance from family and friends. They might also avoid certain people and places for fear of getting sick.
The twitching may get worse when anxiety is increasing. The reason for this is that the twitching is caused by the same fight-or-flight response that is activated when they experience anxiety.
You shouldn't just try to ignore your twitching, but also talk to an expert in mental health about it. Getting counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you learn to manage your
crippling anxiety symptoms so the twitching ceases.
3. Sweating
Sweating is one of the most frequently reported physical symptoms associated with anxiety about health. This condition is a sheen on your forehead or patches of sweat under your arms, can be quite distressing. It is often the cause of further health concerns.
People suffering from illness anxiety disorder (also known as hypochondriasis) often misinterpret even minor symptoms as a sign of serious illnesses. They can be prone to spending hours searching for symptoms and get a lot of assurances from family members or medical professionals. In some instances they are forced to avoid certain activities or even miss important social occasions.
When people feel anxious their brain triggers the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which is commonly referred to as the "fight or flight" response. This can trigger a rise in stress hormones that can trigger the body's response to sweat.
Instead of trying to focus on anxiety instead, try shifting your focus towards something calm or positive. This will help you realize that, a lot times the body's reactions are not a sign of danger. It can also help you realize that you're typically more concerned about the possibility of a serious disease rather than the possibility of contracting strep or twisting your ankle.
4. Dizziness
Health anxiety is usually caused by dizziness, feeling lightheaded, and fainting. Dizziness and anxiety can also be a vicious circle which means they can reinforce each other and lead to more frequent and debilitating symptoms.
Illness anxiety disorder, previously referred to as hypochondria, is characterized by constant and excessive anxiety about developing rare or deadly diseases. This condition can be debilitating, preventing people to live an active and joyful life.
When someone with an illness-related anxiety disorder feels a new sensation, they typically believe it's an indication that a serious illness is present. They might then go online for information that supports the fears they are experiencing which can lead to more anxiety. They can even believe that their doctors aren't treating them with respect and this can fuel their fears.
Untreated, the symptoms can negatively impact your relationships (since your family and friends get tired of talking about all your possible illnesses every time you go out) and at work (because you don't get to work on important projects because you keep visiting the doctor). If you think you be suffering from this disorder, speak to your doctor about treatment options. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment for this psychiatric disorder. It assists in identifying negative thinking patterns that cause anxiety and increase the chance of having a dizzy spell, and then replace them with healthier ones.
5. Swelling
Swollen lymph glands are a typical symptom of anxiety about health. This is the result of the stress-increase that comes from the fear or anxiety about having a serious illness. The body can react to stress in a variety ways, including by increasing the production of hormones that cause blood vessels as well as lymph nodes to expand.
It is normal to be concerned about one's health from time to time especially during this pandemic serious health anxiety, it can be devastating for the person affected or their family members, and even their professional. If you or a loved one suffers from illness anxiety disorder (formerly known as hypochondria) be sure to encourage them to seek a mental health referral to find out more about managing their symptoms.
Illness anxiety disorder is called hypochondria or generalized anxiety or health anxiety disorder. It is defined as a preoccupation of the belief that one is suffering from or is at risk of developing a serious illness, as well as extreme anxiety and fear about health and well-being. This is often accompanied with avoidance behaviors and body-checking, or reassurance-seeking behaviour. It could be caused by misinterpreting bodily sensations such as the sensation of tingling or a minor color change in your bowel movements as indicators of a serious illness.
6. Heart palpitations
Heart palpitations are an indication of anxiety. You might feel like your heart is skipping or beating out of rhythm. Others report a fluttering, or a fluttering sensation in the chest. If the palpitations are frequent and cause disruption to everyday activities, your physician might suggest an ECG or heart monitor to determine if there is a medical issue that could cause them. If they are triggered by anxiety, treatment with psychotherapy or medication (talk therapy) might help.
People with health anxiety misinterpret normal or benign physical symptoms as being serious. They are also susceptible to panic attacks, which are intense bouts of fear that include chest pain, breathing difficulties chills, sweating, a tingling sensation and a feeling that you're losing consciousness.