Illness anxiety is a genuine disorder. It is a precise diagnosis. Formerly called hypochondria or hypochondriasis, this mental health problem significantly impacts a person's relationships, functioning, well-being, feelings, and quality of life. Unfortunately, when someone has illness anxiety, others often get frustrated and act invalidating or critical. It is far more beneficial to recognize their suffering and encourage them lovingly to pursue treatment.

Friends and family need to cooperate in enabling the sufferer to pursue therapy for the disability. The first step toward treatment is seeing a primary care provider for various reasons. For example, a doctor can assess whether the illness anxiety is regarding a legitimate health problem. Remember that even when the sufferer has a legitimate health concern or problem, their fear is often disproportionate to the circumstances. Also, a doctor can evaluate whether their anxiety is exacerbated or induced by physical issues. If neither of these alternatives accounts for the reported anxiety level, then an illness anxiety diagnosis may be in order. Some primary doctors offer to treat anxiety using pharmaceutical drugs.

Mental health professionals treat illness anxiety because it is a mental health issue. Therefore, psychiatrists assess, diagnose, and prescribe pharmaceuticals to address the sufferer's stress. In addition, clinical social workers, psychologists, and mental health counselors also diagnose and assess illness anxiety. They offer talk therapy to help cope and improve your quality of life. It may be helpful to accompany the sufferer to their treating clinician if you are near them. You can input the severity and character of their illness anxiety and discover skills for supporting them sufficiently.