How Should Severe Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorder Be Treated And Managed?

Posted on Thu, 9 Aug 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 8 Aug 2018 Answered on

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : Since I was a young teenager I have had tremendous worry about my health, every lump is a tumor, every different feeling is cancer or a deadly disease. How do I get to a place where I am not paralyzed 2-3x a year with an irrational fear?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

What you are describing is called an illness anxiety disorder. This can be well-treated with a combination of an SSRI medication such as Lexapro and weekly cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy.

This combination will help you get over these anxieties.

Regards,
Dr. Sheppe

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee