Ever feel like health worries are taking over? Like every ache or pain needs immediate attention? If so, this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast is for you. Today, we’re joined by Josh Spitalnick and Michael Stier, co-authors of The Complete Guide To Overcoming Health Anxiety.

Josh and Michael break down the difference between real medical symptoms and the “what if” thoughts that health anxiety loves to create. From that “urgent” need to call a doctor to the constant dread of something being wrong, they’re here to show why facing those fears — rather than panicking at them — might just bring the relief you need.

Treating health-related anxieties and OCD often overlap. Check out https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to see if you could use help from our experts in evidence-based treatment. 

Show notes: 
0:00 Intro

1:44 Josh and Michael’s background

2:59 Writing a book together

6:40 What is health anxiety?

10:01 Difference between health anxiety and OCD with health themes 

12:10 Ways to treat health anxiety

26:36 Cold and flu season anxiety 

31:55 Unknown callers are like thoughts

35:17 Cognitive tools to treat health anxiety 

43:49 Forming a relationship with physical symptoms 

49:48 Using humor to treat anxieties 

54:03 Where to get Josh and Michael’s book

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