10 Tell-Tale Warning Signs You Need To Find A New Physical Symptoms Of Health Anxiety
Physical Symptoms of Health Anxiety
Health anxiety can be triggered by a variety of experiences such as watching someone you love get sick or die, working an uneasy job in healthcare or becoming parents. People suffering from this condition typically have a churning abdomen and excessive sweating.
They also mistakenly interpret normal bodily sensations like headaches or a cough as signs of an illness that is more serious. Iampsychiatry spend hours scouring the internet for answers and seeking assurance from medical experts.
1. Headache
Everyone is concerned about their health at some point, the unfounded anxiety that is associated with illness anxiety disorder (formerly known as hypochondria) can be disruptive to your daily life. You could spend hours searching online for your symptoms and assume that even the most uninvolved sensation is an indication of something serious. A headache, for example can cause you to believe you have a tumour in your brain when it's really a hangover.
Illness anxiety patients are hyper-vigilant and fearful of any changes to their bodies, despite being assured by medical professionals and obtaining negative test results. Illness anxiety can also cause other issues, such as being unable to attend work or social events and battling to maintain close relationships.
It is important to seek assistance when anxiety is affecting your life. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common form of treatment for anxiety-related health issues. Sometimes, your doctor will prescribe medication for anxiety. To start, see your GP or contact the Priory for a world-class mental health assessment. Our experts can 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 moves
Muscle twitching is another physical sign that is associated with anxiety-related health. These involuntary spasms of the muscles can happen anywhere in the body as a result of constant stress and nerve stimulation. When people are suffering from severe anxiety, they might be prone to interpret any sensations or discomfort to be indications of a serious illness. They may become obsessed with their symptoms, "Google" them or seek excessive reassurances from family and friends. They might avoid certain people and places because they fear getting sick.
The twitching may get worse when anxiety is increasing. The twitching is caused by the same fight or flight response is activated when anxiety is present.
While it is important to try to ignore your twitching, it is important to should also talk to an expert in mental health about it. Counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapies may aid in managing your anxiety and stop the twitching.
3. Sweating
The habit of sweating is a common symptom of health anxiety. It doesn't matter if it's a glimmer of sweat on your forehead or patches of sweat under the arms, this condition can be quite troubling and often leads to more worries about your health.
Patients suffering from anxiety disorder, which is also known as hypochondriasis miss the subtle physical symptoms as signs of a serious disease. They could spend hours Googling their symptoms and seeking out constant reassurance from friends or medical professionals. In some instances the fear of being diagnosed can cause them to avoid certain activities, and even miss out on important social occasions.
When people are stressed the brain triggers the autonomic nerve system (ANS), also known as the "fight-or-flight" response. This can result in a rise in stress hormones that can trigger the body's response to sweating.
Rather than focus on your anxiety, try changing your thoughts to something that creates positive or peaceful feelings. This will help you realize that your body's reactions most often aren't a warning sign. It can also help you remember that you are usually much more worried about the possibility of contracting a serious illness rather than the possibility of contracting strep or twisting your ankle.
4. Dizziness
Health anxiety is often accompanied by dizziness, feeling lightheaded, and fainting. Anxiety and dizziness can be a vicious circle, where they reinforce each other and can lead to more frequent and debilitating symptoms.
Illness anxiety disorder, previously referred to as hypochondria, is characterized by constant and constant worry about the possibility of developing rare or fatal illnesses. This condition can be debilitating and prevents people from living an active and fulfilling life.
When someone with illness-related anxiety disorder feels a new sensation, they typically think it is a sign that an illness of serious nature is present. They may then search on the internet for information that confirms the fears they have which can lead to more anxiety. They can even be convinced that their doctors aren't treating them with respect which can further fuel their fears.
If left untreated, the symptoms may affect your relationships (since family and friends tire of hearing you talk about all of your potential illnesses each time you go out) and at work (because you miss out on important projects because you keep going to the doctor). Speak to your doctor if that you might be suffering from this condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment for this type of psychiatric disorder. It assists in identifying negative thoughts that can lead to anxiety or increase the risk of dizziness and then replace them with healthier ones.
5. Swelling
One of the most common symptoms of anxiety-related health issues is swelling lymph nodes. This is due to the increased stress triggered by the fear of an illness that is serious. The body reacts to stress in a variety ways, including by increasing production of hormones that cause blood vessels as well as lymph nodes to expand.
While it is normal to be concerned about your health from time to time especially during this pandemic stress - health anxiety that is severe can have devastating effects on the person who is affected, their family, and even their career. Encourage a loved one who is suffering from illness-related anxiety disorder (formerly called hypochondria) to seek out mental health advice on how to manage their symptoms.
Illness anxiety disorder can also be called hypochondria or generalized anxiety or health anxiety disorder. It is described as a heightened belief that one has or is in danger of developing serious illness and a high level of anxiety and fear about health and well-being. It is usually associated with avoidance behaviors and body-checking, or reassurance-seeking behavior. It could be caused by misinterpreting normal bodily sensations like an itch or a small color change in your bowel movements as indications of a fatal disease.
6. Heart palpitations
Heart palpitations are a sign of health anxiety. They may feel like your heart is skipping beats or beating out of rhythm. Others report a fluttering, or a fluttering sensation in the chest. If the palpitations are regular and cause disruption to daily activities, your physician may recommend an ECG or heart monitor to determine if you have a medical issue that could cause them. If they're caused by anxiety, treatment using psychotherapy or medication (talk therapy) could aid.
People with health anxiety misinterpret normal or mild physical symptoms as a sign of something serious. They are also susceptible to panic attacks, which are intense bouts of fear that include chest pain, trouble breathing chills, sweating, a tingling sensation and the feeling you're losing consciousness.
It's normal to be concerned about your health, particularly during a time of pandemic. If a worry becomes a recurring concern it can turn into an illness called hypochondria or health anxiety. This condition is more prevalent than people think. Treatment options include talking therapy, medication like beta blockers and lifestyle adjustments. You can also practice yoga or meditation to soothe your mind and body. It is essential to obtain a proper diagnosis.
7. Leg swelling
Health anxiety sufferers are often preoccupied by one or more physical symptoms and are convinced that they are suffering from or likely to develop an illness that is serious. This can lead to excessive monitoring behaviors (like frequent medical examinations or a distorted interpretation of everyday bodily sensations), seeking reassurance, and other unhealthful behaviors. It is not uncommon for those with health anxiety to suffer physical symptoms like chest pains, numbness or stomachaches as a result of their constant worry.
Health anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors like the loss or serious illness of a loved one or witnessing an accident that is traumatic or working in healthcare or being exposed to distressing information about diseases and illnesses in the media. Health anxiety is only diagnosed when a person's concerns are not in proportion and affect their well-being and their daily activities.
If you or someone you know suffers from anxiety-related health issues an evaluation by a doctor is essential. You may also wish to consider psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) and medication as you require. This will help you learn to control your anxiety and lead a healthier life.