Does Lexapro Help With Hypochondria? (3+ Benefits)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 05/02/2024 | Next review date: 05/02/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article, we will discuss whether Lexapro helps in the treatment of hypochondria or not. We will also explore what research suggests on this, the potential link between Lexapro and hypochondria, the benefits and drawbacks of Lexapro for hypochondria and some other treatment options for hypochondria.

Does Lexapro help with hypochondria?

Yes, Lexapro may help relieve the symptoms of hypochondria. Although, it is not approved by regulatory agencies to be used specifically for the treatment of hypochondria.

Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by balancing the levels of a neurotransmitter in the brain called serotonin. This chemical is responsible for improving mood and boosting motivation in people who are suffering from depression or anxiety. (1)

Hypochondria is a mental condition in which an individual feels constant fear and excessive worry about having a serious medical condition, without even being diagnosed. It’s a delusion of believing that a person is having some serious illness, hence the condition is also called illness anxiety disorder. (2)

If you or someone you know is sensing the symptoms of hypochondria or anxiety, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor right away so that the appropriate treatment is started on time without any delay.

How does Lexapro help with hypochondria?

Lexapro (escitalopram) is not primarily used for the treatment of hypochondria. It is an SSRI, used to alleviate the symptoms of sadness from a depressed or anxious person.

However, it is believed that the primary mechanism of action of Lexapro is associated with helping hypochondria so it can be used off-label for this purpose. Lexapro like other SSRIs increase the levels of a mood-boosting chemical in the brain called serotonin. (4)

The increased levels of serotonin are considered to be beneficial for treating general anxiety and illness anxiety disorder by controlling the repetitive intrusive thoughts in a person’s mind about his false illness and positively influencing mood by diminishing fear and worry. (1,4)

It’s important to keep in mind that although medications are very helpful for treating hypochondria, its primary management approach is cognitive behavioural therapy to break the pattern of negative thoughts.

What does research suggest?

According to research, a study was conducted on 195 people with hypochondria. They were split into 4 groups and each group received different treatments. Group 1 was given a fake pill (placebo), group 2 was given an SSRI antidepressant, group 3 was assigned cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and group 4, a combination of SSRI and CBT. (3)

After 24 weeks they recorded the responses and found out that the group being treated with a combination of SSRI antidepressant and CBT showed significant improvement with hypochondia symptoms, rather to the groups that used them alone. (3)

Results indicate that the combined therapy used for the treatment of hypochondria had a higher positive response rate (25%), as compared to other groups. Therefore, SSRIs like fluoxetine and escitalopram are safe and effective for treating illness anxiety disorder. (3)

What are the benefits of taking Lexapro for hypochondria?

Lexapro can offer benefits for some individuals experiencing the symptoms of excessive health-related worry (hypochondria), including: (3,4)

Anxiety reduction: Lexapro can help with excessive worry and anxiety that comes with hypochondria.

Mood stabilization: It can make your mood more stable which can be beneficial for people with hypochondria who go through intense and persistent fears.

Reduction in obsessive thoughts: People with hypochondria may have troublesome repetitive thoughts about their health. SSRIs like Lexapro can manage and control these obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

Improvement in overall functioning: By addressing the symptoms of worry, fear and anxiety, Lexapro contributes to an improvement in the overall mental and physical health of a person and improves the quality of life.

Prevention of relapse: For some people, Lexapro can help prevent the return of symptoms of hypochondria, especially when used in long-term therapy.

What are the other treatment options for hypochondria?

Here are some common treatment options for hypochondria:

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT):

It’s one of the most effective approaches for helping to improve the symptoms of hypochondria. Talking to a therapist or counsellor may help an individual identify their negative thoughts and break the cycle. The goal is to make the person learn better ways to cope and have a positive attitude towards life. (5)

Exposure and response prevention (ERP):

It is a specific form of CBT. This therapy tends to make the patients start focusing on their fears slowly, one by one and helps them to teach ways to tackle the fears and reduce anxiety-induced behaviours.

Mindfulness-based therapies:

These are exercises that help people pay more attention to their thoughts, feelings and emotions. They become more aware of themselves which reduces the feelings of anxiety related to health problems.

Medications:

Like Lexapro, other SSRIs such as (fluoxetine, sertraline and citalopram) and SNRIs (venlafaxine or duloxetine) may be used to manage anxiety and related symptoms of hypochondria. Don’t take any medication without the approval of your doctor. (6)

Relaxation techniques:

Trying out different relaxation techniques like inhaling and exhaling deep breaths to calm your mind and body, relaxing and stretching your muscles and other forms of meditation are found to help reduce anxiety.

As a pharmacist, In my perspective, Lexapro holds promising results in the treatment of hypochondria, although not being approved for this specific condition. It has improved the conditions of the majority of patients suffering from health-related anxiety by positively altering their thought patterns and boosting awareness along with behavioural therapies.

However, do not start any medication on your own if you’re experiencing any symptoms of anxiety, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider for an appropriate treatment plan based on your situation.

Always keep in mind that everyone is unique and responds differently to medications, so better to monitor yourself when taking any medication prescribed by your doctor. Notice if you sense any concerning side effects and immediately report to the doctor.