Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Harmony United Psychiatric Care Logo

What is Illness Anxiety Disorder?

Illness anxiety disorder is a newer diagnosis that applies to individuals who are preoccupied with being sick or with developing a disease of some kind. It is a variant of somatic symptom disorder (hypochondriasis). However, somatic symptoms are either not present or present to a mild degree. If another medical condition is present or if there is a high risk for developing a medical condition (e.g., strong family history is present) the preoccupation is clearly excessive.

A diagnosis for illness anxiety disorder also requires the following factors:

  • A high level of anxiety about one’s health with the individual easily alarmed about personal health status
  • Excessive health-related behaviors (e.g., repeatedly checks is or her body for signs of illness) or exhibits maladaptive avoidance (e.g., avoids doctor appointments and hospitals).
  • Illness-related preoccupation has been present for at least 6 months, but the feared illness may change over that period of time.
  • The illness-related preoccupation is not better explained by another mental disorder, such as somatic symptom disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or delusional disorder, somatic type.

What are the treatments for Illness Anxiety Disorder?

As with somatic symptom disorder, patients with illness anxiety disorder often resist psychiatric treatment. However, they may accept therapy that focuses on stress reduction and education in coping with chronic illness. Group psychotherapy is often beneficial, in part because of the social support it provides. Other types of therapy that may be helpful include insight-oriented psychotherapy, behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and hypnosis.

Pharmacotherapy may help alleviate the anxiety generated by the fear the patient has about illness, especially if it is one that is life-threatening.

Mental Health Library Sources:

Information included in all topics of the Mental Health Library comes from the Desk Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria From DSM-5 and Kaplan & Sadock’s Concise Textbook of Clinical Psychiatry. Complete diagnostic and treatment information may be found within these publications.

Disclaimer:

Information within the Mental Health Library is not intended to be used for self-diagnosis purposes. Rather, it is provided as a public educational service to make people aware of mental health conditions. Please consult a qualified mental health professional for a diagnosis of any suspected mental health illness.

Our Impact in Numbers

Discover the essence of Harmony United Psychiatric Care through our impactful numbers. Our experienced team is dedicated to fostering mental well-being.

10

+

Years of Experience

With 10 years of unwavering commitment to mental health, we bring a wealth of experience to support our patients on their journey.

About Us

58

+

Providers

Our dedicated team comprises 58 skilled therapists', psychiatrists', psychologists', ensuring personalized and expert care for each individual.

Providers

13

+

Locations

Across multiple locations, we extend our reach to provide accessible mental health care tailored to diverse communities.

Locations

70000

+

Patients Served

Over 70000 patients have entrusted us with their mental well-being, experiencing compassionate care and positive outcomes.

Book Appointment

Discover Harmony

Welcome to the latest edition of “Discover Harmony,” the newsletter from Harmony United Psychiatric Care! In this edition, we bring you insights, updates, and valuable information to support your mental well-being journey.

Subscribe to newsletter

© Copyright 2024 HUPCFL All Rights Reserved.

Menu

Book Appt

Call

Login

Pay Bill