Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Persistent Anxiety, Bad Dreams And Fatigue?
Question: Hi,
I am always concerned about my health. Every ache and pain seems to worry me a lot and I visit my doctor quite frequently. There are times where quite some time has gone by and I have felt "not bad" and have not visited a doctor. Then there are times where for one reason or another, I have visited my doctor (or different doctors) multiple times usually for the same 'problem'. Also, during these times I constantly search the internet and keep searching for illnesses. During these times I also have bad dreams and feel anxious, sad, and tired upon waking up and the cycle keeps going on. For a few things, doctors have sent me for some tests as I keep on insisting and all tests have come back normal. Physical tests have been and again the doctor told me I am fine. Once I even went to the hospital emergency, and again they did a blood test and the doctor asked many questions and did a complete physical test, this again was all normal. Yet I can't seem to get my mind to stop thinking about illnesses.
This started about 3-4 months ago when I got sick with a virus. That was better within a few weeks and my doctor said it is nothing to worry about. However, I started searching things on the internet and that is when it all started. When I worry, I also feel warm and feverish. I usually don't like talking about this to anyone because I feel as if people will think I am crazy. I always wish that I didn't start to search things on the internet because otherwise my doctor's word was always reassuring for me. Now I feel like I am trapped and suffering from illnesses. I heard this is a psychological issue when one keeps thinking something is wrong and always searching things about it on the internet. Is there anyway to stop feeling this way? I heard some anti depressants may work, or some kind of therapy. A while ago, for the same feelings I would not even think twice about it, and now for just about anything I feel like I am suffering from an illness and need immediate help. This has been going on for a few months.
I am 22 years old.
I am always concerned about my health. Every ache and pain seems to worry me a lot and I visit my doctor quite frequently. There are times where quite some time has gone by and I have felt "not bad" and have not visited a doctor. Then there are times where for one reason or another, I have visited my doctor (or different doctors) multiple times usually for the same 'problem'. Also, during these times I constantly search the internet and keep searching for illnesses. During these times I also have bad dreams and feel anxious, sad, and tired upon waking up and the cycle keeps going on. For a few things, doctors have sent me for some tests as I keep on insisting and all tests have come back normal. Physical tests have been and again the doctor told me I am fine. Once I even went to the hospital emergency, and again they did a blood test and the doctor asked many questions and did a complete physical test, this again was all normal. Yet I can't seem to get my mind to stop thinking about illnesses.
This started about 3-4 months ago when I got sick with a virus. That was better within a few weeks and my doctor said it is nothing to worry about. However, I started searching things on the internet and that is when it all started. When I worry, I also feel warm and feverish. I usually don't like talking about this to anyone because I feel as if people will think I am crazy. I always wish that I didn't start to search things on the internet because otherwise my doctor's word was always reassuring for me. Now I feel like I am trapped and suffering from illnesses. I heard this is a psychological issue when one keeps thinking something is wrong and always searching things about it on the internet. Is there anyway to stop feeling this way? I heard some anti depressants may work, or some kind of therapy. A while ago, for the same feelings I would not even think twice about it, and now for just about anything I feel like I am suffering from an illness and need immediate help. This has been going on for a few months.
I am 22 years old.
Brief Answer:
The symptoms suggest health anxiety
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic
I can understand your concern. Persistent anxiety about some health issues and then searching on Internet or visiting doctors to get reassurance occurs commonly in health anxiety or hypochondriasis. Some individuals develop fear of some serious illness and they keep searching for the symptoms. Preexisting anxiety traits also increase the risk of illness.
To come out of these bad symptoms and anxiety both psychological and pharmacological methods are used. Behaviour therapy and relaxation exercises help to reduce the symptoms and can help. But the therapy runs a long course and multiple sessions are needed.
Other option is to visit a psychiatrist for help. Medicines like SSRIs as Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Fluvoxamine etc can help. These medicines when taken regularly help to reduce the symptoms and thus will relieve anxiety. The medicines are safe and non addicting so no need to worry.
Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again.
The symptoms suggest health anxiety
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic
I can understand your concern. Persistent anxiety about some health issues and then searching on Internet or visiting doctors to get reassurance occurs commonly in health anxiety or hypochondriasis. Some individuals develop fear of some serious illness and they keep searching for the symptoms. Preexisting anxiety traits also increase the risk of illness.
To come out of these bad symptoms and anxiety both psychological and pharmacological methods are used. Behaviour therapy and relaxation exercises help to reduce the symptoms and can help. But the therapy runs a long course and multiple sessions are needed.
Other option is to visit a psychiatrist for help. Medicines like SSRIs as Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Fluvoxamine etc can help. These medicines when taken regularly help to reduce the symptoms and thus will relieve anxiety. The medicines are safe and non addicting so no need to worry.
Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
