Life Overwhelm by Health Anxiety: Somatic Symptom Disorder Explained
In the digital age, self-diagnosis, enabled by a few Google searches and mouse clicks, has become commonplace, leading to unnecessary worry about health issues. The Cleveland Clinic, a renowned non-profit academic medical center, draws attention to two health anxiety disorders: Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) and Illness Anxiety Disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis. Both conditions are characterized by excessive preoccupation with health concerns and physical symptoms, albeit with nuanced differences.
Registered psychotherapist Natacha Duke, MA, RP elucidates the distinction between the two disorders. In SSD, individuals experience physical symptoms, which can be due to an underlying medical condition, while, in Illness Anxiety Disorder, individuals worry excessively about their health, even in the absence of physical symptoms, despite repeated reassurance.
These disorders can affect individuals across all stages of life, starting as early as 30, and approximately 5-7% of adults are affected. Notably, women tend to be more prone to these disorders than men. Duke clarifies the essence of health anxiety, stating that it is characterized by disproportionate worry about health, beyond what medical experts would affirm, even for minor concerns.
The severity of symptoms warrants a diagnosis after six months of significant psychological distress and impairment in functioning. For Illness Anxiety Disorder, the concern lies with having or developing an illness, despite the absence or mild presence of physical symptoms. Somatic Symptom Disorder involves persistent physical symptoms that cause distress and interfere with daily life. It is crucial to note that those with health anxiety disorders can also have a medical condition, and their worry is only excessive in this context.
Health anxiety is distinct from malingering and factitious disorder, where individuals purposely pretend to be ill for personal gain or to harm themselves or others. Afflicted individuals with health anxiety disorders have an honest belief that they are sick.
The source of health anxiety can stem from various factors, such as COVID-19, cyberchondria (excessive internet-based health research), or negative health experiences, including abusive childhoods or experiencing a family member's prolonged illness.
Treatment options for these disorders focus on boosting an individual's quality of life, primarily through psychotherapy, medication, and social support. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is employed to challenge negative thoughts and behaviors related to health, while antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be suggested to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. Medication is typically a last resort.
If one suspects suffering from health anxiety, seeking a medical evaluation is essential. Externalizing feelings and engaging in positive forms of distraction like exercise and meditation can help manage anxiety. Avoid excessive internet use when researching health concerns, as it can exacerbate fears. By adopting these strategies, individuals can regain control over their lives and reduce distress.
In the realm of mental health, excessive preoccupation with health concerns can lead to conditions like Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) or Illness Anxiety Disorder, as highlighted by The Cleveland Clinic. Unlike SSD, where individuals experience physical symptoms, Illness Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive worry about health even in the absence of physical symptoms. These disorders, affecting both men and women, can be significantly reduced through psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and social support.
