Illness Anxiety Disorder
Preoccupation with having or developing a serious illness, without or with only mild somatic symptoms.
Etiology (Biopsychosocial Model)
Biological: Possible genetic predisposition to anxiety.
Psychological: Past illness trauma, health-related OCD traits.
Social: Family modeling of illness behavior, misinformation.
Symptoms & Diagnosis (Mnemonic: HEALTH)
H - High health anxiety
E - Excessive checking or avoidance
A - Absence of significant somatic symptoms
L - Lasts ≥6 months
T - Tests and reassurance don’t reduce worry
H - Hypochondriasis legacy (DSM-IV)
Treatment
CBT: With exposure and response prevention.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Psychoeducation, reassurance scheduling.
Info
DSM-5-TR Code
F45.21
Prevalence
1.3%–10%; care-seeking and care-avoidant types identified.