What Is Illness Anxiety Disorder?

Medical Treatment

One of the most popular forms of medical treatment for IAD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of psychotherapy (talk therapy). Individuals can undergo CBT privately or in a group setting. CBT can specifically help develop awareness of how these fears are affecting individuals and their behavior, and identify the specific worries about having (or contracting) a serious physical illness. With this increased awareness, CBT seeks to help patients develop strategies such as learning alternative ways to view and respond to body sensations, learning skills to tolerate stress and anxiety better, improving normal function, and reducing the frequency of checking the body for signs of illness. CBT will also address other potential mental illnesses, should they be present.

In certain cases, doctors might recommend medication to help alleviate IAD and its symptoms. Some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are commonly used as antidepressants, may help treat IAD. Other options for medications include those for other anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is important to discuss these medications and the potential side effects accompanying them with a physician.

Another treatment for IAD is lifestyle adjustment. Continue reading for more on this.