Health Anxiety in Neurological Settings

This article published in 2025 by Huw Green and Jon Stone, focuses on health anxiety within neurological settings. It explains health anxiety as a distinct, treatable psychological disorder characterized by excessive worry about illness and compulsive "safety behaviors" like seeking reassurance. The authors distinguish health anxiety from normal health concerns and functional neurological disorders, emphasizing that reassurance is often counterproductive. The article also offers practical suggestions for neurologists on how to accurately diagnose and educate patients about health anxiety, facilitating successful referrals for psychological treatment, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).