If you frequently monitor your body for symptoms such as a racing heart, chest tightness, dizziness, tingling, or unusual sensations, you may understand how frightening these experiences can feel. Many people with health anxiety worry that these sensations are signs of a serious medical condition.
Health anxiety is not simply “worrying too much.” It involves a cycle between thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behaviours. Anxiety can influence how we experience and interpret bodily sensations, making normal changes in the body feel threatening or dangerous.
Can Health Anxiety Cause Physical Symptoms?
Yes. Health anxiety can be associated with very real and distressing physical symptoms.
When your brain perceives a threat, it activates the body’s stress response. This can lead to increased heart rate, muscle tension, changes in breathing, and greater awareness of bodily sensations.
For someone experiencing health anxiety, normal physical sensations may be interpreted as signs of serious illness. This can create a cycle:
Physical sensation → Fearful interpretation → Increased anxiety → More physical sensations → Increased checking and worry
Over time, this cycle can make health concerns feel overwhelming and difficult to control.
Common Physical Symptoms of Health Anxiety
Health anxiety can involve a range of physical sensations, including:
- Heart palpitations and chest tightness: Anxiety can activate the fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate and creating muscle tension.
- Dizziness, tingling, and numbness: Changes in breathing patterns during anxiety can contribute to light-headedness and tingling sensations.
- Stomach discomfort and digestive symptoms: Stress and anxiety can affect the digestive system, contributing to nausea, discomfort, or changes in appetite.
- Muscle tension and fatigue: Ongoing worry can keep the body in a heightened state of alertness, leading to tension and exhaustion.
Why Do I Still Feel Symptoms When Medical Tests Are Normal?
A common question among people with health anxiety is:
“If my medical tests are normal, why do I still feel these symptoms?”
The symptoms are real; however, anxiety can influence how the brain interprets and responds to bodily sensations.
When someone becomes highly focused on their body, they may notice sensations that most people naturally filter out. A normal heartbeat change, muscle twitch, or minor discomfort can become a source of significant fear.
This often leads to behaviours such as:
- Repeatedly checking the body for symptoms
- Searching symptoms online
- Seeking reassurance from others
- Frequently monitoring physical sensations
Although these behaviours may provide short-term relief, they can maintain health anxiety by reinforcing the belief that symptoms must constantly be checked or explained.
How Can CBT Help With Health Anxiety?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective psychological treatments for health anxiety.
CBT helps individuals understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behaviours.
With effective treatment, many people with health anxiety learn to reduce their fears and regain confidence in their daily lives.
Health Anxiety Treatment in Adelaide and Australia Wide
At Prime Path Psychology, we provide evidence-based treatment for health anxiety using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches. If health anxiety is affecting your wellbeing, relationships, work, or daily activities, psychological support can help you break the cycle.
To learn more about health anxiety treatment or to book an appointment, contact Prime Path Psychology:
Phone (08) 7079 9529
Email: admin@primepathpsychology.com.au
References
Centre for Clinical Interventions. (2020). Health Anxiety: Information and Self-Help Resources. Perth: Government of Western Australia.
Sunderland, M., Newby, J. M., & Andrews, G. (2013). Health anxiety in Australia: Prevalence, comorbidity, disability and service utilisation. British Journal of Psychiatry, 202(1), 56–61.
Taylor, S., Asmundson, G. J. G., & Carleton, R. N. (2004). Health Anxiety: Clinical and Research Perspectives on Hypochondriasis and Related Conditions. New York: Springer.
Weck, F., Neng, J. M. B., Richtberg, S., Jakob, M., & Stangier, U. (2015). Cognitive therapy versus exposure therapy for hypochondriasis: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 83(4), 665–676.