Hypochondriasis, what is it:

Hypochondriasis — now more commonly referred to as Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD) in modern diagnostic systems like the DSM-5 — is a psychological condition in which a person is excessively worried about having or developing a serious illness, despite having little or no medical evidence to support this fear.

Key Characteristics:

Persistent anxiety about health: The person may constantly worry about normal bodily sensations or minor symptoms.
Frequent medical visits: Or, paradoxically, they might avoid doctors out of fear of bad news.
Reassurance doesn’t help: Even after tests show nothing is wrong, the anxiety continues.
Preoccupation lasts for at least 6 months.

Related Terms:

Somatic Symptom Disorder: If physical symptoms are more prominent and cause significant distress.
Obsessive-Compulsive traits: Sometimes overlaps with health-related obsessions.

Causes:

Early life experiences with illness (in self or family).
High sensitivity to bodily sensations.
A belief that being healthy means feeling absolutely no discomfort.

Treatment:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Highly effective, focuses on modifying health anxiety thoughts and behaviors.
Medication: CONSULT A PSYCHIATRIST.
Mindfulness and stress reduction techniques: Help manage anxiety responses.

Shervan K Shahhian