‘I thought I was dying but it was health anxiety’

• Health anxiety presents with physical symptoms that patients may genuinely believe indicate serious illness, requiring careful assessment to distinguish from organic pathology
• Early recognition and appropriate management of health anxiety can prevent unnecessary investigations and improve patient outcomes through reassurance and psychological support
• GPs should consider health anxiety in their differential diagnosis when patients present with persistent health concerns disproportionate to clinical findings, and signpost to appropriate mental health resources

Hollie Sharman shares her experience of health anxiety and a doctor advises on how to manage symptoms.

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