Individuals with illness anxiety (also known as hypochondriasis) are preoccupied with fears of having a significant disease based on the misinterpretation of bodily signs or symptoms. Oftentimes the person seeks reassurance in the form of performing extensive internet searches, repeatedly asking loved ones for reassurance, or seeking repeated or unneeded medical consultations. Despite receiving reassurances, the individual’s fears often persist. These fears can be quite distressing and can interfere with social and occupational functioning.
If this seems to describe what you or your loved one is experiencing, do not hesitate to reach out to us here at the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of SoCal. We can help!