Which disorder is defined as a preoccupation with the fear of having a serious disease?
What is Illness Anxiety Disorder?Illness anxiety disorder, also referred to as hypochondriasis, hypochondria, or health anxiety, is a disorder in which someone has an unrealistic belief that they have a serious medical condition or fears that they are at a high risk of becoming severely ill. Show
People with illness anxiety disorder, even after medical tests rule out any severe medical condition, remain preoccupied with the belief or fear that they are sick or will become severely sick. They often misinterpret normal or slight differences in body sensations as impending severe illness. People with illness anxiety disorder cannot control their fears and beliefs, and it seems real to them. The disorder affects all ages and genders but seems to be more common in early adulthood. Subtypes of Illness Anxiety DisorderThere are two categories of illness anxiety disorder that people usually fit into. These include:
Illness Anxiety Disorder vs Somatic Symptom DisorderPeople with somatic symptom disorder exhibit a similar pattern of preoccupation, obsessive thinking, fear, and worry regarding their condition. However, the difference between illness anxiety disorder and somatic symptom disorder is that people with somatic symptom disorder have actual physical symptoms, but medical testing has not been able to identify a cause. Unlike those with illness anxiety disorder, people with somatic symptom disorder are more concerned with the discomfort or disturbance their physical symptoms are causing verses worrying about a serious illness these symptoms might represent. SymptomsSymptoms of illness anxiety disorder involve a preoccupation with an unrealistic belief of being or becoming seriously ill. Often, the slightest change in a body sensation may lead to extreme anxiety and worry. Symptoms include:
CausesThe exact cause of illness anxiety disorder is unknown. There are several factors that may make someone more prone to developing illness anxiety disorder. Those factors include:
DiagnosisTo diagnose illness anxiety disorder, your healthcare provider may refer you to a mental health professional. In some instances, if you have had a long history with your healthcare provider, and they know your medical and mental health history, mental health status, have ruled out any medical conditions, and know that the illness anxiety has been going on for 6 months or more, they may choose to diagnose. A mental health professional will do a thorough intake, gathering a medical and mental health history, and may give specific anxiety and depression related assessments. To make a diagnosis, there is specific criteria that must be met. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition, to receive a diagnosis of illness anxiety disorder, the following criteria must be met:
TreatmentTreatment for illness anxiety disorder typically consists of your healthcare provider partnering with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. In this partnership, healthcare providers will continue to meet with the patient to oversee any medical issues. A mental health professional will conduct a thorough intake and may administer different assessments or tests to screen for anxiety related disorders. Studies have shown that psychotherapy (talk therapy) combined with medication is the most effective at treating illness anxiety disorder. More specifically, treatments include:
The effectiveness or success of treatment may depend on the severity of the illness and whether there are any other co-occurring mental health disorders. The patient’s consistency and compliance with treatment may also be a factor in improving symptoms. Illness anxiety disorder is a chronic condition, and while many patients may experience a significant reduction in symptoms with appropriate treatment, it is not uncommon to have occasional flare ups over time. It is important to reach out to your healthcare and mental healthcare providers if symptoms of illness anxiety disorder return. Risk FactorsHealth anxiety, which can develop into illness anxiety disorder, usually develops in early or middle adulthood, and tends to worsen with age. In older populations, health anxiety may revolve more around the fear of losing memory. There are several risk factors in developing illness anxiety disorder. These include:
Complications that can arise from illness anxiety disorder include:
Which disorder is defined as a preoccupation with the fear?Illness anxiety disorder is preoccupation with and fear of having or acquiring a serious disorder.
Is a disorder in which the person is preoccupied with fears of contracting or with the idea that he has a serious disease?Illness anxiety disorder is a chronic mental illness previously known as hypochondria. People with this disorder have a persistent fear that they have a serious or life-threatening illness despite few or no symptoms.
What disorder is experienced when the person is too preoccupied with his or her state of health?Related Disorders
Illness anxiety disorder was previously referred to as "hypochondriasis." The person is preoccupied with having an illness or getting an illness – constantly worrying about their health. They may frequently check themselves for signs of illness and take extreme precautions to avoid health risks.
What was the illness anxiety disorder formerly called?Illness anxiety disorder (previously called hypochondriasis) is a psychiatric disorder defined by excessive worry about having or developing a serious undiagnosed medical condition.
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