Health OCD
What is Health OCD / Hypochondria?
People with Health OCD often times have either suffered some type of traumatic medical event in their life and also experience anxiety/panic attacks. Health anxiety is a relatively common condition, known to affect some 4% to 5% of people. But experts believe it may be underreported. Individuals are constantly checking within their body to ensure that they are safe from life-threatening illness, medical condition, disease, or other catastrophic physical conditions that could lead to death.
Common Obsessions (fears and doubts)
- Fear of getting HIV, cancer, or having any other type of life-threatening illness
- Preoccupation with any type of body sensation such as headache meaning something serious
- Fear of having an undetected illness
- Fear of giving someone an illness
Common Compulsions (safety behaviors)
- Constant medical sites researching
- Avoidance of people, places, or situations where they could be exposed to illness
- Monitoring somatic symptoms
- Hyperfocus on bodily sensations
- Checking vitals signs such as; blood pressure and pulse
- Inspecting their body for any signs or symptoms
- Multiple doctor visits and tests