Excessive and ongoing concern about developing a major disease, although having no or just minor symptoms, characterises health anxiety, also known as hypochondria or sickness anxiety disorder. Anxiety over one’s health may cause a person to worry unreasonably about becoming sick, leading them to obsessively monitor their health and to seek medical help more often than necessary.
Health Anxiety Test – The Whiteley-7 Hypochondriasis Scale is a tool used to identify health-related phobias. This self-report questionnaire may be used to see whether someone satisfies the diagnostic criteria for sickness anxiety disorder by measuring the intensity with which they experience health anxiety. A mental health professional’s opinion may supplement the results of a physical exam, laboratory testing, and other diagnostic tools.
Because of its similarity to somatic symptom disorder and panic disorder, a diagnosis of health anxiety should only be made by a trained mental health practitioner. When trying to figure out what therapy is best for you, it’s essential to see a medical expert.
The Hypochondriasis Scale Test – Health Anxiety Test
How often do you worry that you have a serious illness despite having no or only mild symptoms?
a) Never (0 points)
b) Occasionally (1 point)
c) Often (2 points)
d) Almost always (3 points)
How often do you check your body for signs of illness?
a) Never (0 points)
b) Occasionally (1 point)
c) Often (2 points)
d) Almost always (3 points)
How often do you seek reassurance from healthcare professionals about your health?
a) Never (0 points)
b) Occasionally (1 point)
c) Often (2 points)
d) Almost always (3 points)
How often do you research illnesses or symptoms online?
a) Never (0 points)
b) Occasionally (1 point)
c) Often (2 points)
d) Almost always (3 points)
How often do you avoid certain activities or situations due to fear of getting sick?
a) Never (0 points)
b) Occasionally (1 point)
c) Often (2 points)
d) Almost always (3 points)
How often do you experience physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or muscle aches that you attribute to a serious illness?
a) Never (0 points)
b) Occasionally (1 point)
c) Often (2 points)
d) Almost always (3 points)
How much do your fears about your health interfere with your daily life?
a) Not at all (0 points)
b) A little (1 point)
c) Moderately (2 points)
d) A lot (3 points)
The total score is the sum of the points obtained in each question. A score of 5 or higher is considered to be indicative of health anxiety. But please note that this is a hypothetical example of how the test might be scored, the actual test is copyrighted and should be administered and interpreted by a qualified mental health professional.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Health Anxiety Disorder & How to Manage Them
Common physical signs of health anxiety include:
- Constant checking of the body for signs of illness
- Excessive concern about physical symptoms, such as headaches or fatigue
- Frequently seeking reassurance from healthcare professionals
- Avoiding certain activities or situations due to fear of getting sick
Common psychological symptoms of health anxiety disorder include:
- Persistent and excessive fear of having a serious illness
- Constant worry about the possibility of developing a serious illness in the future
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking about anything other than health concerns
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia due to constant worrying about health
- Fear and anxiety that interferes with daily activities and relationships
Health anxiety condition makes it difficult to face medical situations, but there are ways to cope with the worry that comes with it. Here are a few techniques that may be useful:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a kind of treatment that aims to help patients overcome health anxiety by helping them recognise and alter unhelpful patterns of thinking and action.
- Medication: Medications like antidepressants might be helpful in alleviating anxiety and boosting general health.
- Stress and anxiety may be mitigated via the regular practise of relaxation methods like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
- Health anxiety disorder sufferers might gain insight into their situation and a sense of mastery via education about the ailment and its causes.
- Self-help techniques including keeping a diary, establishing achievable objectives, and prioritising one’s own health are useful in alleviating health anxiety.
The Different Types of Health Anxiety Tests Available & How They Can Help
Taking a test designed to measure health anxiety is a terrific approach to get insight into how worried you really are about your health. Potential health problems may be diagnosed, the severity of symptoms evaluated, and the optimal treatment plan established with the help of these tests. Individuals may better manage their mental health and make sure they are taking the essential measures towards a healthy lifestyle if they are aware of the many health anxiety tests available and how they can assist.