Is health anxiety a form of hypochondria?

While health anxiety and hypochondria are used interchangeably, they are the same. Hypochondria was the previous medical term used to describe those living with health anxiety.

Today, having an irrational fear about one's health is referred to as health anxiety by medical professionals. Though many people still refer to this condition as hypochondria. 

Hypochondria or health anxiety means that a person has an excessive fear of their health. As a result, these individuals often take frequent trips to the doctor or convince themselves that they have a serious medical illness, even though they've never been diagnosed with anything. 

Having health anxiety is serious enough that it often interferes with a person's daily life. Many individuals will spend their time obsessing over their health rather than carrying out their daily routine, which is why seeking the help of a medical professional is important to help manage this condition.


Monarch does not employ any provider and is not responsible for the conduct of any provider listed on our site. All information in member profiles, and messages are created from data provided by the providers and not generated or verified by Monarch. As a user, you need to perform your own diligence to ensure the provider you choose is appropriate for your needs and complies with applicable laws and licensure requirements. Monarch is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Monarch assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable, for the quality or any other aspect of the services a provider may provide to you, nor will Monarch be liable for any act, omission or wrongdoing committed or allegedly committed by any provider.

Articles and information and assessments posted on Monarch are for informational purposes only, and it is not intended to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Treatment and diagnosis should be performed by an appropriate health care provider.

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, DO NOT USE MONARCH. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, OR THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE OR HARMING YOURSELF OR OTHERS, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY OR ANOTHER APPLICABLE EMERGENCY NUMBER.