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Health Anxiety: When Worry About Illness Becomes a Disorder

Health anxiety is a psychological condition characterised by excessive worry about having or developing a serious illness, despite medical reassurance.  

Health is a common focus of concern for many Australians. Checking symptoms online, seeking reassurance from a GP, or monitoring bodily sensations can all be normal behaviours.  

However, for some individuals, these thoughts and behaviours become persistent, distressing, and interfere with daily life. This is known as health anxiety, previously referred to as hypochondria.  

In Australia, health anxiety is recognised as a legitimate psychological condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, relationships, and ability to function. 

Understanding what health anxiety is and how it can be effectively managed is important for reducing distress and supporting mental wellbeing.  

This article aims to explain the nature of health anxiety, how it’s diagnosed, and the range of treatment options available, with a focus on the Australian context. 

What Is Health Anxiety? 

Health anxiety is characterised by excessive worry about having or developing a serious illness.  This concern persists despite medical reassurance and may involve constant body checking, repeated medical visits, or, conversely, avoidance of healthcare altogether due to fear of receiving bad news. 

According to the Australian Psychological Society (APS), health anxiety is distinct from general health awareness or occasional concern.  

It involves preoccupation with bodily symptoms and misinterpretation of these as indicators of a severe illness.  

People with health anxiety may worry intensely about issues like cancer, neurological conditions, or cardiovascular disease, even in the absence of objective medical evidence. 

Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria 

Health anxiety falls under the category of ‘Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders’ in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Key features include: 

  • Persistent worry about having or acquiring a serious illness 
  • Mild or absent physical symptoms that cause disproportionate anxiety 
  • Repeated health-related behaviours (e.g. checking, asking for reassurance) 
  • Avoidance of health-related contexts (e.g. hospitals, medical TV shows) 

In clinical settings, it is essential to distinguish health anxiety from an appropriate medical concern, other anxiety disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.  

A qualified psychologist or general practitioner can make a formal diagnosis and recommend appropriate next steps.  

Early recognition is key, as untreated health anxiety can lead to increased psychological distress, reduced quality of life, and unnecessary medical procedures. 

Prevalence and Impact in Australia 

Health anxiety affects a significant proportion of the population, though exact prevalence figures can vary.  

A report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) notes increasing rates of anxiety conditions nationally, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, during which health-related fears became especially pronounced. 

Health anxiety can impair daily functioning; affecting work, family life, and social engagement.  

It may also lead to increased use of medical resources, with individuals frequently seeking consultations, tests, and reassurance that provide only temporary relief. The burden extends beyond the individual, impacting healthcare systems and caregivers. 

Understanding the social and economic impact of health anxiety underscores the importance of access to timely, evidence-based care.  

Contributing Factors 

Several factors can contribute to the development of health anxiety, including: 

  • Past illness or trauma: Personal or familial experiences with serious illness can trigger long-term fear. 
  • Cognitive biases: Tendency to catastrophise or misinterpret bodily sensations as dangerous. 
  • Internet use: ‘Cyberchondria’ is a modern term describing health anxiety exacerbated by online symptom-checking. 
  • Personality traits: Perfectionism, intolerance of uncertainty, and sensitivity to bodily sensations are linked to higher health anxiety. 
  • Life stress: Major stressors or transitions may heighten sensitivity to physical health concerns. 

The Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI) notes that health anxiety is maintained by a cycle of misinterpretation, anxiety, checking, and temporary relief, which reinforces the behaviour over time.  

Treatment options 

There are range of interventions available in Australia. Treatment options are tailored to the individual’s needs and may include: 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 

CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts, reducing avoidance and reassurance-seeking behaviours, and gradually increasing tolerance of uncertainty.  

CBT includes behavioural experiments that challenge feared outcomes and help individuals learn new ways of relating to bodily symptoms. These techniques empower individuals to become more resilient in the face of uncertainty. 

Psychoeducation and Self-Help Resources 

Understanding the nature of health anxiety can be therapeutic. Resources from organisations like Beyond Blue and the Black Dog Institute provide psychoeducation on anxiety, helping individuals differentiate between adaptive health behaviours and health-related anxiety. 

Reading reputable information and avoiding symptom-checking websites may also reduce anxiety. Guided self-help workbooks based on CBT principles are available through organisations like CCI. 

Mindfulness-Based Interventions 

Mindfulness techniques such as present-moment awareness and acceptance can help reduce rumination and health-focused worry.  Research from the Black Dog Institute supports mindfulness as a valuable adjunct to CBT in managing anxiety conditions. 

Seeking Professional Help 

Recognising when worry becomes unhelpful is the first step. If persistent health concerns are causing distress, interfering with daily life, or leading to frequent medical visits without resolution, it may be time to seek support. 

A registered psychologist can provide a thorough assessment and work with the individual to develop an appropriate treatment plan.  

If you or someone you care about is experiencing distress related to health anxiety, consider contacting Strategic Psychology to speak with a qualified psychologist . Early support can help reduce the burden and improve wellbeing. 

References 

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