Dealing with health problems, physical disability and pain can be overwhelming. When it leads to severe anxiety
and serious adjustment problems, consider psychotherapy. Untreated, anxiety can lead to depression and a
worsening of your physical problems.
Sometimes we just sweep our problems under the rug and go on with life. Or perhaps we have learned how to
deal with illness, grief, loss and pain and have adequate support to weather life storms. Seeking psychotherapy
is an individual decision. Choose to talk to a skilled psychotherapist or counselor.
[Client #1] Carl suffered a small stroke. Although fully recovered, he developed a phobia of driving.
Psychotherapy helped him realize that his intense fear of having another stroke left him almost paralyzed.
Health Anxiety” may follow an acute illness such as brain tumor, cancer, stroke, heart attack, back injury,
physical trauma or other debilitating illness. Even with treatment, these illnesses may trigger intense fear of
symptoms reoccurring.
[Client #2] Beth had frightening, but successful surgery for a brain tumor. Although not cancer, her condition
required that she take seizure medicine for two years. While weaning off the medicine, she experienced apparent
seizures. After learning that she was not having seizures, but anxiety attacks, she was able to resume almost all
work and activities.
Triggers of anxiety can be a pain or soreness, numb sensation, muscle twinge, headache, lump or bump, heart
palpitations, rapid breathing or some other physical symptom, which in turn, might trigger avoidance routines or
even panic attacks.
[Client #3] Fred had been treated for several years for serious lung disease and had to go on disability. In spite
of his severe condition, he could not find the way to stop smoking until he completed psychotherapy.
A person’s health may require lifestyle changes, such as stop smoking, a special diet or exercise, or some other
healthy change; but assistance is needed to find the motivation to comply. Doubt and fear about one’s ability to
manage future health can be overwhelming. When pain is involved, adjustment is even harder.
[Client #4] Anna was often heard saying, “I think I have that.” Her latest obsession was that she had ALS or MS,
after “numbness and tingling crept up her legs”. With psychotherapy she learned to recognize symptoms of
anxiety and relaxation skills.
Sometimes, people have health anxiety when there is no discernible physical illness. This misunderstood
condition, called hypochondria, has some of the same characteristics as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
Sufferers become “hyper-vigilant,” checking and monitoring their health. Hypochondria is best treated with
cognitive behavioral therapy. Whether your health anxiety is associated with medical illness or hypochondria, it
can be serious.
Consider psychotherapy with focus on recognizing and modifying inaccurate beliefs about your health, learning
better ways to care for yourself and facing your anxiety and fears.
and serious adjustment problems, consider psychotherapy. Untreated, anxiety can lead to depression and a
worsening of your physical problems.
Sometimes we just sweep our problems under the rug and go on with life. Or perhaps we have learned how to
deal with illness, grief, loss and pain and have adequate support to weather life storms. Seeking psychotherapy
is an individual decision. Choose to talk to a skilled psychotherapist or counselor.
[Client #1] Carl suffered a small stroke. Although fully recovered, he developed a phobia of driving.
Psychotherapy helped him realize that his intense fear of having another stroke left him almost paralyzed.
Health Anxiety” may follow an acute illness such as brain tumor, cancer, stroke, heart attack, back injury,
physical trauma or other debilitating illness. Even with treatment, these illnesses may trigger intense fear of
symptoms reoccurring.
[Client #2] Beth had frightening, but successful surgery for a brain tumor. Although not cancer, her condition
required that she take seizure medicine for two years. While weaning off the medicine, she experienced apparent
seizures. After learning that she was not having seizures, but anxiety attacks, she was able to resume almost all
work and activities.
Triggers of anxiety can be a pain or soreness, numb sensation, muscle twinge, headache, lump or bump, heart
palpitations, rapid breathing or some other physical symptom, which in turn, might trigger avoidance routines or
even panic attacks.
[Client #3] Fred had been treated for several years for serious lung disease and had to go on disability. In spite
of his severe condition, he could not find the way to stop smoking until he completed psychotherapy.
A person’s health may require lifestyle changes, such as stop smoking, a special diet or exercise, or some other
healthy change; but assistance is needed to find the motivation to comply. Doubt and fear about one’s ability to
manage future health can be overwhelming. When pain is involved, adjustment is even harder.
[Client #4] Anna was often heard saying, “I think I have that.” Her latest obsession was that she had ALS or MS,
after “numbness and tingling crept up her legs”. With psychotherapy she learned to recognize symptoms of
anxiety and relaxation skills.
Sometimes, people have health anxiety when there is no discernible physical illness. This misunderstood
condition, called hypochondria, has some of the same characteristics as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
Sufferers become “hyper-vigilant,” checking and monitoring their health. Hypochondria is best treated with
cognitive behavioral therapy. Whether your health anxiety is associated with medical illness or hypochondria, it
can be serious.
Consider psychotherapy with focus on recognizing and modifying inaccurate beliefs about your health, learning
better ways to care for yourself and facing your anxiety and fears.
- v Look for a trained and experienced therapist who has a successful track record helping with your
issues.
v Find a therapist who is a good listener and skilled in helping you identify your own personal strengths,
skills, resources, and positive traits.
v Your therapist should be sensitive to all the problems you present and also have a good sense of humor.
| When and Why see a therapist for health anxiety. |
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To find a
social worker,
click on
HelpStartsHere
social worker,
click on
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THERAPIST AT
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TODAY
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ON
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THERAPIST AT
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by Paul Lohkamp, MSW, LCSW