Illness Anxiety Disorder Treatment in Denver
Illness Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms
Illness Anxiety Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by excessive and persistent worry about having or developing a serious medical illness, even when medical evaluations show little or no evidence of disease. Individuals with this condition often become highly focused on bodily sensations, interpreting normal or minor physical symptoms—such as headaches, fatigue, or stomach discomfort—as signs of serious illness. This preoccupation can lead to constant checking of the body, frequent internet searches about symptoms, or repeated requests for medical reassurance.
Despite reassurance from healthcare providers, anxiety often remains or quickly returns. Some individuals may frequently seek medical tests and appointments, while others avoid doctors altogether out of fear of receiving bad news. This ongoing worry can cause significant distress and interfere with work, relationships, and daily functioning. Illness anxiety disorder is not about “imagining” symptoms; rather, it reflects a heightened sensitivity to uncertainty and health-related fears that require compassionate, evidence-based treatment.
Treatment for Illness Anxiety Disorder
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with exposure is considered the most effective, evidence-based treatment for illness anxiety disorder. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs about health, illness, and bodily sensations. Through therapy, individuals learn to reinterpret physical sensations more realistically and reduce behaviors that maintain anxiety, such as reassurance-seeking and excessive checking.
Exposure therapy, a key component of CBT for illness anxiety, involves gradually facing feared health-related situations or thoughts without engaging in safety behaviors. This may include limiting symptom checking, reducing medical reassurance, or tolerating uncertainty about health. Over time, exposure helps reduce anxiety and distress while increasing confidence in one’s ability to cope. With consistent treatment, many individuals experience significant relief from health-related anxiety and improved quality of life.
Fees
Individual Sessions
(45-minutes)
/session
Parent Training Sessions
(45-minutes)
/session
Couples
(45-minutes)
/session
Adults DBT Groups Sessions
(2-hours)
/session for six months to 1-year
Multi-Family Skills Group
(2-hours)
/session for 24-weeks
Insurance
We do not accept insurance (most specialists do not), but many of our clients are able to get partial reimbursement from their insurance companies through their out-of-network benefits. We are happy to provide you with the necessary paperwork to submit an out-of-network claim to your insurance company.
Begin Your Healing Journey
At Mountainside Behavioral Health, we are committed to fostering a supportive and professional environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered on their path to healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is illness anxiety disorder different from being health-conscious?
Health consciousness involves appropriate concern and preventive care, while illness anxiety disorder includes excessive worry that interferes with daily life despite medical reassurance.
Can illness anxiety disorder cause physical symptoms?
Yes. Anxiety can intensify bodily sensations and create real physical discomfort, even when no serious illness is present.
Why is CBT with exposure effective for illness anxiety disorder?
CBT with exposure helps individuals reduce fear by facing health-related uncertainty and breaking the cycle of reassurance-seeking and avoidance.
Does illness anxiety disorder go away on its own?
Without treatment, symptoms often persist or worsen. Evidence-based therapy can significantly reduce anxiety and improve functioning.
Free Consultation -
Begin Your Healing Journey
At Mountainside Behavioral Health, we are committed to fostering a supportive and professional environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered on their path to healing.