9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Physical Symptoms Of Health Anxiety
From Shiapedia
Physical Symptoms of Health Anxiety
Health anxiety can be caused by a variety of causes that can trigger it, like witnessing a loved one become sick or die or having an uneasy job in the healthcare sector. Often, people with this condition experience a churning stomach and a lot of sweating.
They also mistake bodily sensations such as headache or a cough as signs of serious illnesses. They can spend hours searching the internet for answers and seeking reassurance from medical professionals.
1. Headache
Everyone is concerned about their health at some point, the irrational anxiety that is that is associated with illness anxiety disorder (formerly known as hypochondria) can disrupt your life. You could spend hours looking up your symptoms online and conclude that even the most benign sensations are signs of something serious. For instance, a headache could make you think that you have a brain tumour when it is actually just an alcohol-related hangover.
People suffering from anxiety-related illnesses are constantly vigilant about any changes in their bodies. They can't manage their fear, despite repeated assurances from medical professionals and negative test results. Anxiety from illness can also lead to other issues, including avoidance of social and work activities, and having trouble maintaining close relationships.
It's important to seek help when anxiety symptoms and treatment is affecting your daily life. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy is the most commonly used treatment for anxiety. Sometimes, your doctor will also prescribe medication for 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 provide treatment. Our therapists will help you to understand the causes of your anxiety and help you develop strategies for coping.
2. Muscle moves
Muscle twitching is another physical sign that is associated with anxiety-related health. These involuntary spasms of muscles can occur anywhere on the body due to from constant stress and nervous stimulation. If one is suffering from severe anxiety about their health, they could be prone to interpret any discomfort or unusual sensations to be symptoms of a serious illness. They may be obsessed with their symptoms, 'Google' them or seek excessive reassurance from family members and friends. They may also avoid places and people due to fear of contracting an illness.
The twitching may get worse as the anxiety increases. The reason for this is that the twitching what is anxiety physical symptoms caused by the same fight-or-flight response that activates when people experience anxiety.
You should not only try to ignore your twitching, but you should also speak with an expert in mental health about it. Counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you learn how to manage your anxiety so the twitching stops.
3. Sweating
The habit of sweating is a common symptom of health anxiety about anxiety symptoms. This condition is a sheen on your forehead or patches under your arms, can be extremely uncomfortable. It often leads to further health concerns.
People suffering from anxiety disorder, which is also known as hypochondriasis mistakenly interpret minor physical sensations as a sign of a serious disease. They could spend hours researching their symptoms and seeking out constant reassurance from friends or medical professionals. In some cases they may stay away from certain activities or do not attend important social events due to their anxiety.
When people feel anxious, their brain triggers the autonomic nervous system (ANS), commonly known as the "fight or flight" response. This triggers an increase in stress hormones, which can trigger the body's response in a variety of ways, including sweating.
Rather than being focused on your anxiety, try changing your focus to something that brings you peace or positive feelings. This will help you realize that most times your body's reactions do not indicate a sign of danger. It can also help you realize that you are usually much more concerned about the likelihood of developing a serious illness than about getting strep throat or tripping your ankle.
4. Dizziness
Lightheadedness, dizziness and feeling faint are all common symptoms that are associated with anxiety-related health issues. They can also be part of a vicious cycle where anxiety and dizziness exacerbate each other, resulting in more frequent and severe episodes.
Illness anxiety disorder, which was previously referred to as hypochondria, is characterized by persistent and excessive anxiety about developing rare or deadly diseases. This condition can be debilitating and prevents people from living a full life.
When a person suffering from illness anxiety disorder experiences a new physical sensation, they tend to assume it is a sign of a serious disease. They might then go online for information that supports their fears which can lead to more anxiety. They could even be convinced that their doctors are not taking their concerns seriously, which further fuels their fears.
If left untreated and untreated, the symptoms of anxiety disorder can have a negative impact on relationships (since family and friends tire of hearing about your plethora of potential ailments every time you meet) and at work (because you're constantly missing out on important projects due to endless doctor visits). If you suspect that you be suffering from this disorder, speak with your doctor about the best treatment options. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatments for this condition. It helps to identify negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety and increase the chance of a dizzy spell, then replace them with healthy ones.
5. Swelling
Swollen lymph glands are a typical symptom of anxiety about health. This what is anxiety and symptoms a result of the increased stress that comes from a fear or a preoccupation of having a serious disease. The body can react to the stress in a variety ways, including by increasing the production of hormones that cause blood vessels as well as lymph nodes to grow.
It is normal to worry from time to time about your health, especially during this pandemic. However, extreme health anxiety can cause a lot of damage on the individual as well as their family, and their professional career. If you or someone you love suffers from illness anxiety disorder (formerly known as hypochondria) be sure to encourage them to get an appointment with a mental health professional to learn more about how to manage their symptoms.
Illness anxiety disorder, often called hypochondria, or health anxiety, is a specific type of generalized anxiety disorder. It is characterized as a heightened belief that one has or is in danger of developing a serious illness, as well as extreme anxiety and fear about health and well-being. It is usually associated with avoiding behavior such as body checking or reassurance-seeking behaviour. It can also be a result of the misinterpretation of normal bodily sensations, such as the sensation of a tingling in your arm or the slight change in your the color of your bowel movements as being a sign of a fatal illness.
6. Heart palpitations
Heart palpitations are a common sign of anxiety. It could feel like your heart is skipping or beating out of rhythm. Some report a fluttering or heart that is fluttering. If the heart palpitations are frequent and interfere with daily activities, your doctor may recommend an ECG or heart monitoring to rule out a medical condition that could cause them. If they are caused by anxiety, medications or psychotherapy may help.
People suffering from health anxiety may think that normal or non-threatening physical symptoms as a sign of something serious. They could also be more likely to suffer from panic attacks, which is a severe bout of fear, including chest pain, breathing difficulties chills and sweating and the sensation that you're losing your consciousness.
It's normal to be concerned about your health, particularly during a time of pandemic. If a concern turns into an obsession and becomes a habit, it could lead to an anxiety disorder known as hypochondria or health anxiety. It is possible to get treated for this condition, which is much more frequent than most people think. Treatment options include talking therapy, medication like beta blockers, and lifestyle changes. You can even try meditation or yoga to calm your body and mind. The most important thing to do is get a diagnosis.
7. Leg swelling
People with health anxiety are often preoccupied by one or more somatic signs and symptoms, and they believe that they are suffering from or likely to be suffering from an illness that is serious. This can lead to excessive monitoring behaviors (like frequent medical check-ups or over-interpretation of everyday bodily sensations) and seeking comfort, and other unhealthful behaviors. As a result, those who suffer from health anxiety might experience physical symptoms of anxiety And Depression symptoms, such as numbness or chest pains.
Health anxiety can be caused by a variety of things. It could be due to the death or serious illness a loved person has suffered, or witnessing an accident or work in the healthcare field or being exposed by the media to distressing information about illnesses and diseases. Health anxiety can be diagnosed when a person's concerns are excessive, and interfere with their quality of life and daily functioning.
If you or someone you love suffers from health anxiety, a medical evaluation is important. You may also wish to consider psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications, if needed. This will help you learn to control your anxiety and live a healthy life.
