Do I suffer from health anxiety? Take the test at the private practice of online psychologist Patric Pförtner.
Psychologist Patric Pförtner

Patric Pförtner

M.Sc. Psychologist, Doctoral Researcher

Test: Health Anxiety (Hypochondria)

Are you often afraid of suffering from a serious illness, even though medical examinations show no findings? Do you often interpret normal bodily sensations as signs of a serious condition? Our test helps you assess whether you may be suffering from health anxiety.

Typical signs of health anxiety can include:

  • persistent worries about possible serious illnesses despite unremarkable findings,
  • excessive preoccupation with bodily symptoms and health,
  • frequent doctor visits and repeated examinations without medical reason.

With this test you can reflect on how strongly the fear of illness is influencing your life. Please note that this test does not replace a professional diagnosis.

Originally written in German — read the original here: Krankheitsangst-Test.

Health Anxiety Test: 15 Questions

All questions refer to the last 14 days. The answer options are scaled like a grading system — the first option counts as one point, the last as five. Choose one answer per question and click Evaluate Now at the end.

1. Are you afraid that harmless symptoms could be a sign of a serious illness?

2. Do you often think about illnesses you might have?

3. Has your fear of illness grown because of an experience with illness in your circle?

4. Do your thoughts revolve daily around possible physical complaints?

5. Do you often check your body for signs of illness?

6. After a doctor's visit, do you only feel reassured for a short time?

7. Do you frequently search the internet for medical information about symptoms that worry you?

8. Do you often switch doctors because you feel your complaints aren't taken seriously?

9. Do you avoid doctor visits out of fear that something serious will be diagnosed?

10. Do you have conflicts with relatives because you often talk about your health fears?

11. Do you take medication or supplements to prevent possible illnesses?

12. Do you imagine how a possible illness could heavily disrupt your life?

13. Do you avoid sport or other exertion to spare your body?

14. Has your fear of illness affected your professional performance or concentration?

15. Do you constantly check your symptoms to make sure they aren't getting worse?

This online screening is not a diagnostic tool. Only a trained medical professional — such as a doctor, psychiatrist or psychotherapist — can advise you on the next steps.

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"Most arguments aren't the argument you think you're having."
"Trust doesn't grow through words. It grows through repetition."
"A strong relationship isn't one without conflict — it's one where you find your way back."
Psychologist Patric Pförtner is a registered full member of the BDP

Quality seal for psychological counselling awarded by the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Registered full member of the BDP

Registered full member of the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP).

 Online psychological counselling quality seal

For my work, the BDP has awarded me the "Counselling by Psychologists" quality mark.