About Health OCD / Hypochondria OCD
Health OCD (also known as Hypochondria or Health Anxiety OCD) is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) where the person experiences excessive and irrational fears about their health. The individual experiences persistent, irrational thoughts about having a serious illness (such as cancer, heart disease, or an infectious disease), even when there is no medical evidence to support these fears. These thoughts often come up unexpectedly and may be triggered by normal bodily sensations, such as a headache, cough, or slight pain. These thoughts are often highly distressing and difficult to ignore. The person may fear that even minor symptoms are signs of something fatal or debilitating. This type of OCD can lead to frequent checking behaviors, seeking constant reassurance from doctors or loved ones, or constantly researching symptoms on the internet.Â
