Health Anxiety at Work and in Daily Life: Assessment Led Guidance
Specialist CBT therapy for anxiety, OCD, depression and more in West London
Health anxiety can affect work and daily life. Some people describe persistent worry about illness, repeated checking, reassurance seeking, avoidance of medical information or difficulty concentrating because of health related thoughts. A guide cannot diagnose health anxiety or determine whether a pattern of worry is clinically significant. An assessment can consider the pattern, its impact, physical health, sleep, medication, other possible explanations and the person's goals. 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. The Equality Act 2010 uses a functional test. In broad terms, a mental or physical condition may fall within the Act where it has a substantial and long term adverse effect on normal day to day activities. Whether that applies to health anxiety in a particular situation depends on the facts. ACAS, a union, occupational health, an employer's people team, Citizens Advice or an appropriate employment solicitor may be useful sources of role specific information. A therapist can help a person understand how health anxiety is affecting them, but therapy is not legal advice or representation. CBT may be considered after individual assessment where health anxiety is affecting daily life and work. 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 exposure or checking reduction. 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.
Frequently asked questions
Can health anxiety be relevant under the Equality Act 2010?
It can be. The legal test is fact specific and considers whether a condition has a substantial and long term effect on normal day to day activities. ACAS, a union, occupational health or an appropriate employment adviser can help with workplace questions.
Can physical symptoms be assumed to be health anxiety?
No. New, severe, changing or worrying symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate medical professional rather than automatically attributed to health anxiety.
Can CBT help with health anxiety at work?
CBT may be considered after individual assessment. Whether it is appropriate, and what it would involve, depends on the person's assessment, health, safety and goals.
When should I seek urgent support?
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.