The Neuroscience of Health Anxiety: Assessment Led Guidance

Specialist CBT therapy for anxiety, OCD, depression and more in West London

Research has explored associations between health anxiety and how the brain processes bodily sensations, attention and perceived threat. These findings can help clinicians and individuals understand why certain health worries persist and why reassurance may not settle them. They are group level associations from research studies. They do not diagnose a condition, determine a cause in an individual case or predict the outcome of treatment. Physical symptoms should not automatically be attributed to health anxiety. New, severe, changing or worrying symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate medical professional. A psychological explanation and a medical question can both need attention at the same time, and a website cannot determine which applies. Research has found associations between health anxiety and patterns of attention to bodily sensations, threat interpretation and reassurance seeking. These are group level findings. They do not establish that a particular person's symptoms are caused by health anxiety, that a specific brain change has occurred or that a particular treatment will produce a particular outcome. A guide cannot determine whether research findings apply to an individual. CBT may be considered after individual assessment where health anxiety is affecting daily life. Any behavioural work should be planned with a suitably qualified clinician after discussion of the rationale, alternatives, safety and pacing. A guide is not a self directed programme for interoceptive or exposure work. For related information, see health anxiety therapy at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/therapy/health anxiety/, the health anxiety comprehensive guide at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/health anxiety comprehensive guide/, health anxiety and relationships at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/health anxiety relationships/ and health anxiety body checking at https://lyceumclinic.co.uk/guides/health anxiety body checking/. If there is immediate danger, thoughts of self harm, an inability to stay safe or a sudden marked deterioration, call 999, attend A&E or use urgent local crisis or medical support.