Health Anxiety: Commonly Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about health anxiety, including how it’s diagnosed, what symptoms look like, how it interacts with medical conditions, treatment options, and how to communicate with healthcare providers.

If you don’t see your question here, email us at [email protected]  — we’d be happy to help (and your question may be added to this page!).

How is health anxiety diagnosed?

Health anxiety is typically diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional (such as a psychologist or psychiatrist) through a clinical interview, review of symptoms, and a medical history. Diagnosis often includes ruling out medical conditions or other psychiatric disorders that may better explain symptoms.

Can health anxiety cause physical symptoms?

Yes. Health anxiety can create real physical sensations including headaches, muscle tension, stomach upset, dizziness, and fatigue. These symptoms stem from the body’s stress response, not from an underlying medical emergency.

Is it normal to experience health anxiety during stressful times?

Absolutely. Stressful events—such as global health crises, personal loss, or life transitions—can intensify health-related worries. Increased media exposure can also heighten symptoms.

Can media or news coverage worsen health anxiety?

Yes. Constant exposure to alarming or sensationalized health-related news can trigger or worsen symptoms. Reducing exposure and setting boundaries around health-related content can help.

Can health anxiety be cured?

There’s no guaranteed “cure,” but health anxiety is highly treatable. Many people experience major improvement with therapy—especially CBT—and long-term symptom reduction with ongoing skills practice.

Can health anxiety cause avoidance?

Yes. People may avoid activities, places, or situations they fear will negatively impact their health (e.g., exercise, public spaces, hospitals). This avoidance can interfere with daily functioning.

Can health anxiety improve without professional treatment?

Occasionally symptoms improve on their own, but long-term recovery typically requires professional support. Without treatment, symptoms often worsen or become more entrenched.

How can friends and family help someone with health anxiety?

Loved ones can provide support by offering empathy, avoiding excessive reassurance, encouraging professional help, and modeling calm, grounded responses.

Does health anxiety often occur with other mental health conditions?

Yes. Health anxiety commonly co-occurs with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD, and depression. Treatment often addresses multiple conditions at once.

What should I do if I think a loved one has health anxiety?

Approach with compassion. Encourage them to seek an evaluation with a qualified mental health professional and offer practical support in finding resources.

Is it common to self-diagnose through online searches?

Very. Many people with health anxiety engage in frequent symptom-checking online (“cyberchondria”), which typically increases distress. Professional evaluation is always recommended.

Can health anxiety trigger panic attacks?

Yes. When worries about bodily sensations escalate, panic attacks or acute anxiety episodes can occur.

Can medications or substances worsen health anxiety?

Yes. Caffeine, stimulants, recreational substances, and some prescribed medications can increase anxiety symptoms. Discuss concerns with a healthcare provider.

Can health anxiety focus on specific illnesses?

Yes. Some individuals fixate on particular illnesses such as cancer, neurological diseases, or heart conditions. This may be referred to as illness phobia.

Can health anxiety affect relationships?

Yes. Excessive worry, reassurance-seeking, or avoidance can create tension and strain within relationships.

Can health anxiety cause financial stress due to medical spending?

Yes. Repeated doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and specialist referrals can lead to significant financial burdens.

Can traumatic experiences trigger health anxiety?

Yes. Illness, injury, medical trauma, or the loss of a loved one can contribute to the development or worsening of health anxiety, though trauma is not always present.

Can health anxiety disrupt sleep?

Yes. Rumination and worry can interfere with falling asleep, staying asleep, and overall sleep quality.

Can health anxiety cause obsessive-compulsive hygiene behaviors?

Yes. Some individuals develop compulsive routines—such as excessive cleaning, handwashing, or checking—for fear of contamination or illness.

Can health anxiety affect sexual health or intimacy?

Yes. Fears about illness transmission, performance concerns, and hypervigilance to bodily sensations can interfere with intimacy and sexual functioning.

Can health anxiety lead to depression?

Yes. Chronic worry, emotional exhaustion, or disability related to anxiety can contribute to depression or other mood disorders.

Can you develop health anxiety about another person?

Yes. Some individuals experience health anxiety by proxy, becoming excessively worried about a partner’s or family member’s health.

Do mindfulness or relaxation techniques help?

Yes. Mindfulness, grounding skills, relaxation exercises, and mindfulness-based therapies are evidence-supported techniques for reducing health anxiety symptoms.

Should I still see a doctor if I have health anxiety?

Yes. You should always seek medical care for new, unusual, or concerning symptoms. If you’ve already been thoroughly evaluated for the same concern, it may be worth discussing patterns of reassurance-seeking with your clinician.

Can health anxiety affect medical decision-making?

Yes. Fear of complications, procedures, or side effects can make choices feel overwhelming. A second opinion or longer discussion with your provider may help.

Can health anxiety strain relationships with healthcare providers?

Yes. Frequent visits, diagnostic requests, or fear of dismissal can create tension. Open, honest communication helps build trust.

What if I don’t trust my doctor?

If you consistently feel unheard or dismissed, it may be appropriate to seek a new provider. A collaborative relationship is essential.

When should I seek professional help?

Seek help if health anxiety interferes with your daily life, relationships, functioning, or emotional well-being—or if you find yourself constantly focused on health concerns.

Are support groups or online resources available?

Yes. You can join our virtual support group or explore more at the OHA Resource Center.

Is CBT effective for health anxiety?

Yes. Robust research supports Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as one of the most effective treatments for health anxiety. CBT helps reduce symptoms and maintain long-term improvement.