Health anxiety involves persistent worry that you are, or may become, seriously ill. Repeated symptom searching, checking, or reassurance seeking can maintain distress for some people. A GP or qualified mental-health professional can assess concerns and discuss suitable support.
Therapy may help some people examine cycles of noticing sensations, interpreting them as threatening, seeking reassurance, feeling temporary relief, and becoming anxious again. Work may include reducing repeated checking and developing ways to tolerate uncertainty. Medical concerns should still be discussed with an appropriate health professional.
General information, not medical advice. Editorially checked against UK clinical guidance and NHS information. Reviewed .