Lesson 40: Illness Anxiety Disorder – Intense Fear of Illness (Lessons 1441–1480) · Course Catalog

1. Overview of Illness Anxiety Disorder
   Recognize the persistent worry centered on "fear of serious illness" and distinguish between normal health concerns and pathological anxiety.
2. Symptoms and manifestations of illness anxiety disorder
   The study identified characteristics such as frequent self-examination, repeated medical visits or complete avoidance of medical visits, excessive information intake, and impaired daily functions.
3. Causes of Illness Anxiety Disorder
   Understanding the formation mechanism from dimensions such as attentional bias, catastrophic thinking, early experiences, and intolerance to uncertainty.
4. Diagnosis and assessment of illness anxiety disorder
   This paper introduces clinical interviews, scales, and necessary medical screenings to clarify the identification and comorbidity assessment pathways.
5. Treatment options for illness anxiety disorder
   An overview of a comprehensive approach that integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and rumination training, mindfulness, and doctor-patient collaboration.
6. The difference between health anxiety and somatic symptom disorder
   Distinguish between the two paths: one primarily driven by "concern about illness" and the other primarily driven by "physical discomfort," to avoid misunderstandings and mistreatment.
7. Note the bias and catastrophic interpretation
   Recognize the thought process of exaggerating ordinary physical sensations into clues of serious illness, and practice weighing evidence.
8. Body scan and repeated self-examination
   Understand the cycle of "the more you check, the more uneasy you become," and set the frequency and time box for checks.
9. Web Search and Information Overload
   Establish a search whitelist and limits to prevent fragmented fears from triggering escalating anxiety.
10. Medical treatment pathways and over-examination
    Establish a fixed doctor and a review mechanism to reduce the chain of "multiple medical visits - information conflicts - increased anxiety".
11. Recognition of Red Flag Symptoms and Medical Rules
    Distinguish between red flag signals requiring immediate medical attention and observable daily sensations to improve safety and efficiency.
12. Tolerance and tolerance of uncertainty
    Increase tolerance for uncertainty through gradual practice and reduce the compulsion to “find out everything”.
13. Probabilistic thinking and evidence weighing
    The judgment is calibrated using the base probability and baseline risk to correct the bias of "low probability - high threat".
14. Communication and support with family/partner
    Use the "feeling-needs-request" framework to establish support boundaries and reduce escalation of arguments.
15. Impact and Adjustment on Work and Study
    Optimize task scheduling and information exposure times to restore focus and a sense of accomplishment.
16. Identification and recording of triggering situations
    Establish a personal trigger list and exposure ladder to provide a basis for subsequent training.
17. Exposure and rumination training (information/physical/situation)
    Expose fear information, physical sensations, and scenarios within a safe framework, and practice stopping the repetitive verification process.
18. Delayed Concern and Concern Period Setting
    By temporarily storing worries in fixed time periods, the 24/7 workload is reduced and fatigue is combated.
19. Cognitive Reconstruction: Mind Reading, Overgeneralization, and Black-and-White Thinking
    A three-step correction method—evidence-substitution-experiment—is used to address high-frequency cognitive biases.
20. Breathing relaxation and reducing alertness
    Prolonged exhalation and body scans reduce sympathetic activation and alleviate somatization anxiety.
21. Mindfulness and Attention Flexibility Training
    Train your ability to detach yourself from symptoms and thoughts, and enhance your engagement and flexibility in the present moment.
22. Behavioral activation and value-oriented life
    Rebuild daily engagement through small goals and valuable activities, reducing avoidance and maintenance.
23. The impact of sleep and circadian rhythms on health anxiety
    A stable sleep schedule reduces nighttime alertness and the accumulation of worries the next day, combined with a low-stimulation bedtime ritual.
24. Diet, caffeine, and symptom experience
    Identify the effects of stimuli and blood glucose fluctuations on physical sensations such as palpitations and digestive discomfort.
25. Exercise and the establishment of a sense of physical security
    Rebuild confidence in your body’s functions through low-to-moderate intensity aerobic and strength training.
26. Doctor-patient collaboration and follow-up plan
    Clearly define the schedule and objectives for follow-up visits to avoid unnecessary additional or duplicate tests.
27. Interpretation and review of inspection results
    Distinguish the meaning of "negative result does not mean missed diagnosis" and develop a structured review template.
28. Monitoring Boundaries: Frequency and Time Box
    Set upper limits for self-monitoring of body temperature, pulse, blood pressure, etc., to prevent monitoring addiction.
29. Filtering medical articles and social media information
    Master the hierarchy of evidence and the credibility of its sources, and reject sensationalist headlines.
30. Boundaries of Wearable Device Data Use
    Use trends rather than individual points as a reference to avoid score anxiety and over-interpretation.
31. Scientific recording method of symptom diary
    Focusing on functionality, context, and emotion rather than minute-level sensations makes it easier to discover patterns and progress.
32. Relapse warning signs and early response
    Create a personalized warning list and a three-step action card to slow down and seek help as early as possible.
33. Comorbidity management: anxiety/depression/obsessive-compulsive disorder
    Clearly identify the amplifying effect of comorbidity pathways on health anxiety and prioritize interventions accordingly.
34. Special populations: teenagers and the elderly
    Adjust the training method according to the cognitive style and medical habits at different stages.
35. Special Circumstances: Pregnancy and Postpartum
    Under medical guidance, address the physical sensations and anxieties caused by physiological changes to protect the safety of mothers and babies.
36. Safety strategies for driving and high-risk operations
    Establish a self-inspection checklist and alternative plans to avoid concerns about performing high-risk operations during peak periods.
37. Boundaries and self-protection in social life
    When faced with "advice and intimidation," set boundaries and protect yourself with facts and rules.
38. Crisis and Acute Exacerbation Response Process
    Prepare emergency contacts, medical routes, and stabilization techniques to reduce peak damage.
39. Interim goals and efficacy assessment
    With functional recovery as the core indicator, we regularly review and fine-tune the plan.
40. Self-management and long-term support for illness anxiety disorder
    Integrate cognition, exposure, mindfulness, and lifestyle, and maintain long-term support with family and professional assistance.
41. Traditional Themed Mandalas (Supplementary Course)
    Strengthen mind-body regulation and concentration through image-based calming exercises.
42. Lesson 40: Anxiety Disorders Related to Illness (Lessons 1441-1480) Course Assessment
    Please complete the course evaluation to review your learning and provide suggestions. This will help you deepen your understanding and help us improve the course.