Editor’s note: This is the third installment of this story. The other installments can be read at the links shown.

Jenny, 28, of West Seattle, is a hypochondriac and is exploring different treatment options. Many people who suffer from hypochondria or severe medical anxiety find themselves in an unhealthy and frustrating cycle that is difficult to resolve.

She realized, with the help of her friends, that it’s time to make changes in her life and get help. Recently, she was unsuccessful at organizing a support group. Treatment for hypochondria is a long and sometimes complicated process.

Now Jenny seems confused and overwhelmed when she thinks about the next step toward a better life. “I’m not sure whether I should look at this from a strictly medical view or from a self-actualization one,” she states.

She has thought about using mental health sessions that her job offers to employees. "I asked at work about counseling sessions and there are a lot of ‘hoops’ to jump through to get them, and since I don't work full time, I might not qualify for all of them.”

Jenny already feels fed up and frustrated.

Lyn Criddle, a Ph.D. nurse practitioner in Seattle, treats patients with Jenny’s type of medical anxieties. “Many people with these types of anxieties are afraid of the treatment.”

She says that medications work very well to treat the anxiety but getting hypochondriacs, who have extreme fear of the side effects of medication, to actually take them, is very challenging.

Also, she adds that when patients face other normal life anxieties such as graduate school, a new job, or a move to a new city, their symptoms are exaggerated even more.

Everyone experiences bodily pains and quirks but hypochondriacs overreact and pay attention to every little new sensation, fearing it is the beginning of a serious medical condition.

Their obsession with death and the compulsive need to search the Internet for a diagnosis of their symptoms, creates a cycle that is tough to break. “It’s hard for physicians to break into the anxiety of these types of patients,” says Dr. Criddle.

Physicians might feel pressured to treat the patient medically, even if they suspect hypochondria, and real medical conditions can result if the patient is treated.

This only makes the hypochondria worse and the situation more convoluted.

“On the other hand, the anxiety that accompanies hypochondria can cause real medical conditions, such as heart disease. So it’s a lot to sort through as a therapist and medical provider.” It’s a catch-22.

“Jenny is lucky to have friends who support her by approaching her with their concerns,” says Dr. Criddle.

“Many people with this level of medical anxiety give very clear signals that they are convinced the new blemish on their arm is fatal and it’s very hard for friends to feel comfortable confronting such certainty.”

This week Jenny met with a therapist and plans to continue treatment.

“The therapist believes my problems stem from being raised by an addict.” But Jenny feels conflicted since she now has a great relationship with her mom even though Jenny strongly suspects her mother still uses drugs.

“There were many happy and positive things my mom taught me.” She adds, “It would break her heart to know I am going through this partly because of her behavior back then.”

Jenny admits that part of her doesn’t want to dig up the past and do the work necessary to heal. But she’s aware that if she doesn’t act now, her condition could worsen and she could suffer more.

And that’s not a symptom she’s willing to live with anymore.

Recently, Jenny has stopped smoking in an effort to get things moving in the right direction for her healing process.

“In a small way I feel like I finally can control something. Who knows, maybe I will be smoking this time next month, but for now at least I have some sense of power and control over my existence.”