Obsessive Thinking That You’re Sick May Make You Ill

The results of a study reported in the Washington Post reveal show that of 7,052 adults surveyed, 710 people have health anxiety. People with health anxiety were 71 percent more likely to have developed heart disease than were those who were not overly anxious about their health. The greater the degree of health anxiety, the higher the risk for heart disease.

People who are preoccupied with their physical health, to the point of being unrealistically fearful of having a serious disease, even without supporting medical evidence. This can create a cycle of symptoms and worry that can be hard to stop. As a result, people with more-severe cases sometimes develop depression, anxiety, panic disorder or other mental health issues..

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