Do you have anxiety around health issues? According to a recent article in The Lancet, researchers have found that “10-20% of hospital patients suffer from health anxiety, and this poses a substantial burden on health services since a patient’s fear of having a serious disorder leads to medical consultation. The study authors note that previous studies have demonstrated that CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) – a therapy that aims to change a person’s behavior and thought patterns – is successful as a treatment for other anxiety disorders. Therefore, the researchers set out to determine whether this therapy would be effective in treating health anxiety.” Medical News Today Article. Health anxiety can actually CAUSE some people to experience physical symptoms such as chest pains, headaches and other somatic symptoms leading them to believe they are suffering from a more serious disorder, despite reassurance from a medical professional. How many times do you have a physical discomfort, pains in your chest and believe you are having a heart attack. You go to the emergency room to find out your heart is fine, but have anxiety with panic. Of course, you need to Take ensure that you get cleared medically, but then pursue CBT to help with your anxiety. Take a look at this chart to see what happens to your body when panic attacks. Remember, there is help. Anxiety is manageable. There are tools, techniques to quiet the mind and relax the body.
