What it is
It can be triggered by stress, a serious illness in yourself or someone close, or a past experience.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is very effective. Some people also benefit from medicines used for anxiety.
Common signs
- Constant worry about your health
- Frequently checking your body
- Repeatedly asking for reassurance or tests
- Searching symptoms online a lot
- Avoiding anything to do with illness
How it is usually diagnosed
- A talk with a doctor about your worries and how they affect you
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Therapy letters
- A note of tests already done, to avoid repeating them
Questions to ask your doctor
- Could talking therapy help me?
- How can I tell when a symptom needs checking?
- Can I refer myself for therapy?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life: call 112 or a crisis line
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.