![]() ![]() This could lead you to misinterpret that all body sensations are serious, so you search for evidence to confirm that you have a serious disease. You may have a difficult time tolerating uncertainty over uncomfortable or unusual body sensations. The exact cause of illness anxiety disorder isn't clear, but these factors may play a role: Encourage your loved one to consider a mental health referral to learn ways to cope with illness anxiety disorder. This can be frustrating and cause stress on families and relationships. Sometimes, providing reassurance can make things worse. Significant health anxiety can cause real distress for the person, and reassurance isn't always helpful. If your provider believes that you may have illness anxiety disorder, he or she may refer you to a mental health professional. Frequently searching the internet for causes of symptoms or possible illnessesīecause symptoms can be related to health problems, it's important to be evaluated by your primary care provider if this hasn't already been done.Constantly talking about your health and possible illnesses.Avoiding people, places or activities for fear of health risks.Frequently making medical appointments for reassurance - or avoiding medical care for fear of being diagnosed with a serious illness.Repeatedly checking your body for signs of illness or disease.Having so much distress about possible illnesses that it's hard for you to function.Worrying excessively about a specific medical condition or your risk of developing a medical condition because it runs in your family. ![]() Finding little or no reassurance from doctor visits or negative test results.Being easily alarmed about your health status.Worrying that minor symptoms or body sensations mean you have a serious illness.Being preoccupied with having or getting a serious disease or health condition.Symptoms of illness anxiety disorder involve preoccupation with the idea that you're seriously ill, based on normal body sensations (such as a noisy stomach) or minor signs (such as a minor rash). On the other hand, somatic symptom disorder - a related disorder - involves focusing on the disabling nature of physical symptoms, such as pain or dizziness, without the worry that these symptoms represent a specific illness. Instead, people previously diagnosed with hypochondriasis may be diagnosed as having illness anxiety disorder, in which the focus of the fear and worry is on uncomfortable or unusual physical sensations being an indication of a serious medical condition. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, no longer includes hypochondriasis - also called hypochondria - as a diagnosis. But psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and sometimes medication can help ease your worries. It may increase with age or during times of stress. Illness anxiety disorder is a long-term condition that can fluctuate in severity. This excessive anxiety - rather than the physical symptom itself - results in severe distress that can disrupt your life. You may experience extreme anxiety that body sensations, such as muscle twitching or fatigue, are associated with a specific, serious illness. ![]()
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