Health anxiety — formerly called hypochondriasis, now classified under Illness Anxiety Disorder or Somatic Symptom Disorder in DSM-5-TR — involves persistent preoccupation with having or developing serious illness, despite limited or no actual physical symptoms (illness anxiety) or with disproportionate response to mild symptoms (somatic symptom disorder).
Health anxiety is highly treatable when properly recognized, but often persists for years because patients cycle through medical evaluations without addressing the anxiety itself.
Health anxiety is highly treatable when properly recognized.
DSM-5-TR Classifications
Illness Anxiety Disorder
Per DSM-5-TR criteria:
Preoccupation with having or acquiring serious illness
Somatic symptoms not present or mild; if medical condition present, preoccupation is excessive
High level of anxiety about health
Excessive health-related behaviors (checking) or maladaptive avoidance (avoiding medical care)
Illness preoccupation present at least 6 months
Not better explained by another mental disorder
Somatic Symptom Disorder
Per DSM-5-TR:
One or more somatic symptoms that are distressing or disrupt daily life
Excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to symptoms (disproportionate thoughts, persistently high anxiety, excessive time and energy devoted to symptoms)
Persistent symptomatic state, typically more than 6 months
Identifying core beliefs about health vulnerability
Building tolerance of bodily sensation uncertainty
Medication
SSRIs — particularly when health anxiety coexists with depression or other anxiety conditions; off-label for health anxiety alone, but reasonable evidence base
SNRIs — similar role
Generally not first-line as monotherapy; CBT typically first
Coordination with primary care
Effective treatment typically involves coordination with primary care:
Limiting reassurance-providing evaluations
Structured rather than reactive medical care
Clear communication about what reassessment is appropriate vs. excessive
Avoiding unnecessary testing that perpetuates anxiety cycle
Health Anxiety Treatment
CBT response outcomes
CBT for health anxiety has strong evidence base for substantial response.
Source: Published systematic reviews of CBT for health anxiety.
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The Problem
Endless medical cycle
Patients with health anxiety often cycle through medical evaluations and testing for years — addressing symptoms rather than the underlying anxiety.
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The Approach
Targeted treatment
Dr. Farkas recognizes health anxiety patterns and coordinates with CBT-trained therapists and primary care for integrated treatment.
✓
The Outcome
Freedom from cycle
Most patients with health anxiety achieve substantial relief — and freedom from the time-consuming, distressing reassurance cycle.
Treatment provides freedom from the reassurance cycle.
Health worry consuming your life?
Health anxiety is highly treatable. Dr. Farkas provides evaluation and coordinates with CBT-trained therapists.
Health anxiety doesn’t mean you don’t have real medical conditions — many patients with health anxiety also have actual medical issues. Treatment doesn’t ignore real conditions; it addresses the disproportionate anxiety response that produces suffering and impairment.
Should I stop seeing my doctor?
No — but structured medical care typically works better than reactive care driven by anxiety episodes. Coordinated approach can establish appropriate evaluation patterns.
Will reading less help?
Reducing Internet symptom searching is often part of treatment — but typically more effectively through structured behavioral approach than willpower alone. See our related articles on anxiety disorders and generalized anxiety.
Do I need medication?
Not necessarily. CBT alone often works well for health anxiety. Medication can help when depression or other anxiety conditions coexist.
Health anxiety is highly treatable.
Evidence-based treatment provides freedom from the reassurance cycle.
