Treatment of Fear of Bodily Sensations with Exposure Therapy

ObjectivesA certain group of patients receiving assistance from primary medical care excessively focus on their own body and health, and react with fear of the bodily sensations. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the mechanism that supports this type of fear as well as to present the exposure therapy, which can be effective in eliminating the fear that is present with somatic symptoms.ReviewsStudies prove high efficiency of the exposure therapy in the treatment of anxiety disorders. It seems that this kind of therapy could also be efficient in reducing the fear that is associated with somatic symptoms. Interoceptive therapy may have a particular impact on hypochodriac fear and it being reduced. The aim of this method is to confront patients with bodily sensations that cause their anxiety.ConclusionsPsychology has developed effective methods that help patients who experience health anxiety. As these patients mostly seek medical attention, it is recommended that both doctors and psychologists cooperate in solving their problems.