health anxiety

[fred]

Male 65 2 years with health anxiety much bodily discomfort especially bowell bladder throat and chest plus catastrophe thinking -- is there any medication which would help please?

[poppy1]

i started on seroxat which helped, unfortunately, while coming off it, it sent me into an anxious state worse than what it was prescribed for!

I also have chest pains and palpitations which completely freak me out, doc says its muscular skeletal though not that it reassures me!!

[RosieXXX]

Hello Fred,

I am sorry you are suffering so much - health anxiety is a horrible condition, which is difficult to cope with.

I think one of the best treatments is cbt - talking therapy - which helps to change negative thought patterns. It would be worthwhile asking your doctor about this therapy, and see if he can recommend a good counsellor.