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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What sort of help should I seek for health anxiety?

    Related Topic
    Anxiety
    I suffer from debilitating health anxiety and I am not sure where to turn for help. I have a supportive GP and in the past have been on several medications for anxiety which did not help. I have also tried anti-depressants, CBT and hypnotherapy. I have seen two psychologists and one psychiatrist. Nobody can find any reason for my anxiety and although I do everything my (very patient) doctors and therapists ask of me, nothing ever seems to help. I associate every small symptom to cancer and drive myself crazy with worry, to the point where I am unable to eat, sleep, work or socialise. I know I am irrational with my health fears, but this does not seem to stop it happening. I know that I need help to get this under control, but I am not certain what type of help I need. Should I seek further therapy? And if so, what kind? I would really just like to lead a normal life and after 25+ years of this anxiety, I feel that I never will. Any suggestions would be so much appreciated.
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    • Vivienne Colegrove
    • Joe Gubbay
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    Vivienne Colegrove

    Counsellor

    I have been working in Eltham, Melbourne as a relationship and family counsellor for over twelve years. I draw on current theory and research about … View Profile

    It sounds like you are convinced there is a deeper reason for your anxiety - one that doesn't fit with the approach taken by the professionals you have seen so far. CBT and medical treatment are very helpful to work with factors that cause anxiety that has a physical cause, and/or is maintained by unhelpful thoughts and beliefs (e.g. "What if....?" or "I'd never cope if...."). You may benefit from having a space to explore the meaning and function your anxiety has for you, and also perhaps to look in more detail at earlier life experiences that may be driving your anxiety. This would happen more in counselling or psychotherapy, although some psychologists also offer this. You may wish to find a counsellor through either the Psychotherapy and COunselling Federation of Australia's website, or the Australian Counselling Association.

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    Joe Gubbay

    Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor, Psychologist, Psychotherapist

    I have worked in public hospitals as well as private practice over the past 25 years. As a clinical psychologist I treat depression, social anxiety, … View Profile

    Hi, health anxiety can be quite disabling, and I'm sorry to hear that treatment so far hasn't helped.  The core issues are typically misinterpreting physical symptoms as a sign of a terrible illness, with reassurance-seeking behaviour providing temporary relief.  This relief gradually fades with time, and as anxiety mounts about health you sometimes misinterpret the symptoms of anxiety as a sign of illness - so it's off to the doctor again.  It can sometimes be helpful to trace back the origins of the fear, and in my experience people usually can identify where it all started.  But the central component of treatment is breaking the cycle of seeking reassurance for physical symptoms. Sometimes other issues do need to be addressed as well.  I would suggest finding another clinical psychologist or equivalent who provides CBT - we don't all approach CBT the same way, and sometimes it's a matter of "fit" i.e. finding someone who works for you. Above all, don't lose hope, there are plenty of options out there, and 3 clinicians over 25 years isn't a huge number.  I wish you the best with it.

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