What is hypochondriacal anxiety
Hypochondriacal anxiety, also known as medical phobia or white coat phobia, is a psychological disorder. Patients have excessive worries and fears about their health status, and often believe that they are suffering from a serious disease or are under threat of death. This emotion is persistent and inescapable, greatly affecting the patient\'s daily life.
Influencing factors
There are many causes of hypochondriacal anxiety, which may differ between individuals. However, the following factors are considered to be major influences:
Family inheritance: Some people believe that in some families, due to genetic susceptibility characteristics, people are prone to develop such psychological disorders. Sociocultural pressure: Most of the time, the sociocultural environment also contributes to such problems. For example, information explosions, not always accurate scientific conservatism, and misconceptions can cause distress. Previous health status: Having suffered from serious illness or infectious disease can easily cause psychological trauma and anxiety.
Treatment
Appropriate treatment is critical for individuals suffering from hypochondriacal anxiety. Here are some that may be effective in helping patients get rid of this psychological disorder:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a psychotherapy technique widely used to cure various types of anxiety disorders. By understanding and adjusting negative thinking patterns, frustration and confusion, and gradually exposing the source of fear, we can reduce, alleviate and overcome this vicious cycle. Drug treatment: After the diagnosis is confirmed and a complete file is established, guidance and compliance checks on the use of corresponding drugs may be provided, including tranquilizers or antidepressants, which can help reduce tension so that the person can better accept it. If necessary, other learning methods will be tried to promote it. Enhance self-healing power. Supportive psychotherapy: To help patients reduce the negative emotions associated with anxiety, counselors can provide a safe, listening, and supportive environment. Through communication and objective understanding of patients’ inner feelings and concerns, we can effectively relieve their mental stress and gradually rebuild their trust and understanding of their own health status.
Prevention and Management
Once hypochondriacal anxiety has been successfully treated, prevention and management remain crucial. The following measures may help individuals maintain good mental health:
Regular physical exams: Perform frequent physical exams to rule out or detect early possible health problems while avoiding excessive worry that may lead to unnecessary fear and anxiety. Receive correct cognitive education: Understand relevant scientific and medical knowledge to more accurately and rationally judge clear-level problems that do not cause people to relax their vigilance but have no obvious external characteristics and do not directly cause death risks. Deal with stress proactively: Learn and use effective stress management techniques such as moderationOne\'s own emotions, finding suitable ways to relax, establishing good interpersonal relationships, etc.
The role and responsibilities of a psychological counselor
As a psychological counselor, you need to play the following important roles in the treatment of hypochondriasis and anxiety:
Listener and supporter: Give Patients are provided with a safe, open and judgment-free environment that allows them to express their inner feelings while providing positive support and encouragement. Educator: Teach patients scientific knowledge about hypochondriacal anxiety and its treatment, and guide them to recognize irrational thought patterns and behaviors that may occur when dealing with physical problems. Facilitators and supervisors: Develop individualized plans to help patients reduce anxiety. Monitor the progress they make during treatment and use feedback and inspiration to drive the recovery process.
Professional and comprehensive treatment methods and cooperation with senior psychological counselors can help individuals suffering from hypochondriacal anxiety relieve their distress, rebuild self-trust, and better embark on a healthy life track.
