In today’s world, information is readily available right at your fingertips. While this can be a blessing for individuals who are often concerned about their well-being, it can actually make some problems worse.
Anyone can Google symptoms they are experiencing from the comfort of their home without consulting a trained professional. These search results can sometimes be alarming, causing anxiety about a condition even without a proper diagnosis. When this gets out of control, it’s known as illness anxiety disorder or IAD.
What Is Illness Anxiety Disorder?
IAD is a mental health condition that is characterized by an excessive fear of having or developing a serious illness. People with IAD will believe they have a disease even if they have little to no symptoms. They are preoccupied wth the notion that they have a serious disease even when medical testing that is done by a professional shows no evidence of the illness being present.
The Cause
The exact cause of illness anxiety disorder isn’t fully understood. That being said, several factors are suspected to contribute to its development.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)
They say your past makes you into the person you are today. Unfortunately, if you experienced an adverse childhood experience, such as having a serious illness yourself or witnessing a loved family member experience one, you may have a higher risk of developing IAD.
Family History
Family genes and traits are passed down from one generation to the next. If your family has a history of anxiety or health-related disorders or fears, you are more likely to be at risk.
Life Events
Negative life events can also play a role in the development of IAD. These can include trauma, added stress, or a significant life change.
Overexposure
Most things are fine in moderation. An overexposure to health-related content might make you feel more equipped and ready to handle whatever life throws your way. However, this additional knowledge can sometimes feed into irrational health-related fears.
Personality Traits
A person’s personality can play a role in the development of IAD. For example, someone who regularly experiences anxiety or pessimism is more likely to experience IAD.
The Symptoms
These are some of the most common symptoms of illness anxiety disorder:
- Avoiding medical care completely
- Constantly seeking reassurance
- Difficulty accepting reassurance
- Distress that interferes with daily life and routine
- Fear of having a serious illness
- Fixation on minor bodily functions or sensations
- Frequent health-related internet searches
- Lack of physical symptoms
- Little to no reassurance from normal test results
- Persistent belief in having a serious illness
- Preoccupation with health and wellness
Treatment Options
IAD is treatable. The most effective form of treatment is a combination of different approaches. It typically involves therapy, medication, and stress management techniques.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, is one of the most widely used and recognized therapies. An effective therapy for anxiety, CBT helps individuals recognize, challenge, and change their negative and irrational thoughts and behaviors. Once identified, they can work to better manage them moving forward.
Medication
A mental health professional may prescribe medication like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication for someone struggling with IAD. Medication is only prescribed depending on a person’s needs, wants, and overall goals of treatment.
Stress Management Techniques
Another option is techniques that can reduce stress levels. Stress management techniques can help with the added stress that is brought on by IAD. These techniques include methods like deep breathing, body scans, mindfulness, or engaging in physical activity.
Taking the Next Step
IAD is a serious mental health condition. It extends far beyond a person’s normal health-related anxieties and worries. Fortunately, with the proper treatment and support, someone living with IAD can learn to better manage their anxiety and get back to living a healthy and fulfilling life. Get in touch for an initial consultation to see how anxiety therapy can help you move forward.
