Which disorder is defined as preoccupation with having a serious illness with few or no somatic symptoms?

Which disorder is defined as preoccupation with having a serious illness with few or no somatic symptoms?

• A. Illness anxiety disorder
• B. Somatic symptom disorder
• C. Malingering
• D. Factitious disorder

Answer: (A)

Illness anxiety disorder centers on a persistent preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness, despite few or no actual somatic symptoms. The worry about health dominates thinking, and minor or nonspecific sensations are often interpreted as signs of a grave disease. People with this pattern may engage in excessive health-related behaviors (rechecking for symptoms, repeatedly seeking reassurance) or, alternatively, avoid medical care due to anxiety. This focus on health anxiety with little to no significant physical symptoms distinguishes it from somatic symptom disorder, where genuine physical symptoms are present and distressing. It also sets it apart from malingering or factitious disorder, where there is intentional deception to gain external incentives or to assume the sick role. In short, the defining feature is excessive health anxiety despite minimal physical findings, typically with limited somatic symptoms.

Illness anxiety disorder centers on a persistent preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness, despite few or no actual somatic symptoms. The worry about health dominates thinking, and minor or nonspecific sensations are often interpreted as signs of a grave disease. People with this pattern may engage in excessive health-related behaviors (rechecking for symptoms, repeatedly seeking reassurance) or, alternatively, avoid medical care due to anxiety. This focus on health anxiety with little to no significant physical symptoms distinguishes it from somatic symptom disorder, where genuine physical symptoms are present and distressing. It also sets it apart from malingering or factitious disorder, where there is intentional deception to gain external incentives or to assume the sick role. In short, the defining feature is excessive health anxiety despite minimal physical findings, typically with limited somatic symptoms.