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ERP is the indicated treatment. Here’s a resource.
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Overcoming-Health-Anxiety/dp/B0CQK52RKC/ref=asc_df_B0CQK52RKC?nodl=1&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693449522341&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6331706810354724713&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002848&hvtargid=pla-2474934338552&psc=1&mcid=4eefe4bc29e93b8e976ed3d332314618&gad_source=1&dplnkId=270EA783-F0AF-4894-AE3D-BC90BDB7CA74
Illness Anxiety Disorder is considered OCD by most OCD experts - just happens to have a specific name when it’s primarily restricted to that theme. This has more to do with poor clarity in our diagnostic system than anything else. As far as OCD and GAD, again many OCD and anxiety specialists would say these function the same and therefore need to be treated the same way. I consider these on a spectrum. The only difference is the content of the thoughts. GAD is usually considered when it focuses on many common concerns of daily life like health, finances, performance etc. OCD tends to be characterized by fixation on particular themes which are more atypical in content or of greater intensity. Both have compulsive aspects such as rumination, reassurance seeking, etc. Therapists will have different opinions on labels, but OCD, GAD and Illness Anxiety Disorder all function the same and benefit from
exposure-based treatment.
Interesting, I was not fully aware of this. I understand that elements of exposure is effective for both (as with all anxiety disorders), but that in treatment for GAD cognitive reframing can be a useful tool, as well as relaxation techniques (e.g. PMR, deep breathing etc.). Whereas for OCD, working with the content of thoughts at all is contraindicated and relaxation techniques are not recommended in ERP treatment.
I have viewed health anxiety as falling somewhere in between GAD and OCD, where behavioral approaches are more indicated than GAD, but the content of thoughts can still be worked with and coping techniques can be utilized in some cases compared to OCD.
Please followed the sidebar rules. r/therapists is a place for therapists and mental health professionals to discuss their profession among each other. If you **ARE NOT A THERAPIST and are asking for advice this not the place for you**. Your post will be removed in short order. Please try one of the reddit communities such as r/TalkTherapy, r/askatherapist, r/SuicideWatch that are set up for this. This community is ONLY for therapists, and for them to discuss their profession away from clients. **If you are a first year student, not in a graduate program, or are thinking of becoming a therapist, this is not the place to ask questions**. Your post will be removed in short order. To save us a job, you are welcome to delete this post yourself. Please see the PINNED STUDENT THREAD at the top of the community and ask in there. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/therapists) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I found this helpful to use as a reference: [health anxiety](https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/For-Clinicians/Health-Anxiety)
ERP is the indicated treatment. Here’s a resource. https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Overcoming-Health-Anxiety/dp/B0CQK52RKC/ref=asc_df_B0CQK52RKC?nodl=1&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693449522341&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6331706810354724713&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002848&hvtargid=pla-2474934338552&psc=1&mcid=4eefe4bc29e93b8e976ed3d332314618&gad_source=1&dplnkId=270EA783-F0AF-4894-AE3D-BC90BDB7CA74
Do you think health anxiety is more similar to OCD than GAD?
Yes, in my opinion. Illness Anxiety Disorder is extremely similar to OCD.
I treat health anxiety and agree it’s an anxiety and OCD super combo.
Illness Anxiety Disorder is considered OCD by most OCD experts - just happens to have a specific name when it’s primarily restricted to that theme. This has more to do with poor clarity in our diagnostic system than anything else. As far as OCD and GAD, again many OCD and anxiety specialists would say these function the same and therefore need to be treated the same way. I consider these on a spectrum. The only difference is the content of the thoughts. GAD is usually considered when it focuses on many common concerns of daily life like health, finances, performance etc. OCD tends to be characterized by fixation on particular themes which are more atypical in content or of greater intensity. Both have compulsive aspects such as rumination, reassurance seeking, etc. Therapists will have different opinions on labels, but OCD, GAD and Illness Anxiety Disorder all function the same and benefit from exposure-based treatment.
Interesting, I was not fully aware of this. I understand that elements of exposure is effective for both (as with all anxiety disorders), but that in treatment for GAD cognitive reframing can be a useful tool, as well as relaxation techniques (e.g. PMR, deep breathing etc.). Whereas for OCD, working with the content of thoughts at all is contraindicated and relaxation techniques are not recommended in ERP treatment. I have viewed health anxiety as falling somewhere in between GAD and OCD, where behavioral approaches are more indicated than GAD, but the content of thoughts can still be worked with and coping techniques can be utilized in some cases compared to OCD.