How to Cope with Health Anxiety and Stop Avoiding the Doctor

Health anxiety affects roughly 2% to 13% of people. To break this cycle, Caitlin Donovan of the Patient Advocate Foundation notes that confronting the unknown by working with a diagnosis is important for feeling better physically and emotionally.

In Plain English: The Clinical Takeaway

• The Avoidance Cycle: Delaying doctor visits for mysterious symptoms like headaches or digestive issues can be a response to stress, but is not good for you.
• Prevalence: Research cited in a 2023 study indicates that between 2% and 13% of people feel this specific strain of anxiety.
• Actionable Relief: Working with a diagnosis is a way to rid yourself of the unknown.

Decoding the Mechanics of Health Care Avoidance

While some individuals go to the doctor too much, others have trouble taking the step from worrying to actually doing something about it.

As Caitlin Donovan, senior director of the Patient Advocate Foundation, explains: “That anxiety often comes from a place of feeling helpless. Once you’re working with a diagnosis, you’re ridding yourself of the unknown.” The important thing to keep in mind is that dealing with health anxiety is about making you feel better—physically better, and emotionally better. Not addressing whatever it is that’s bothering you is not going to improve your situation.

Epidemiological Insights and Behavioral Patterns

Understanding health anxiety helps contextualize individual struggles.

Clinical Comparison of Health Anxiety Manifestations

Behavioral Phenotype	Primary Characteristic
Hyper-Consultation	Go to the doctor too much.
Medical Avoidance	Trouble with taking the step from worrying to actually doing something about it.

Contraindications & When to Consult a Doctor

Photo: self.com

You’re not the first person to put something off because you’re scared. That’s the end goal.

References

• Patient Advocate Foundation.
• 2021 study on health care avoidance.
• 2023 study on health anxiety.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute formal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.