Hypochondriac Disorders/Health Anxiety (2)

Question 1

What is it?

How does it present?

Answer 1

➊ Spending a lot of time worrying that they’re ill or about to become ill, that it starts to take over their life

➋ • Constantly worry about health
• Frequently checking body for signs of illness e.g. lumps, pain
• Always asking people for reassurance that they’re not ill
• Worry that a Dr or tests have missed something
• Osessively looking at health info on the internet/media
• Avoid anything to do with serious illness e.g. medical tv shows

Question 2

How is it managed?

Answer 2

• Keep a diary - Noting how often body is checked, people asked for reassurance or looked at health information
• Challenge thoughts
• Distraction
• Gradually get back to normal activities
• Relaxation techniques