Hypochondria

Hypochondria is a historical term used to describe excessive preoccupation with having a serious illness. In contemporary medical terminology, the condition most closely corresponds to illness anxiety disorder (IAD), defined in the DSM-5. IAD is characterized by a preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness, with little or no associated somatic symptoms, and high levels of anxiety about health. If prominent somatic symptoms are present, the condition may be described as somatic symptom disorder, which involves excessive thoughts and distress about actual bodily symptoms.

People with hypochondriasis or illness anxiety disorder often engage in health-related behaviors such as frequent doctor visits, repeated testing, and extensive online searching for symptoms. They may be reassured by clinicians but such reassurance is often temporary. The preoccupation causes distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning and persists for a significant period, typically at least six months.

Causes are multifactorial, involving cognitive biases (such as catastrophizing), misinterpretation of normal bodily sensations, and heightened health risk awareness. Risk factors include a history of medical illness, high levels of health-related information seeking, stress, and co-occurring anxiety or depressive disorders. The condition can be chronic but fluctuates in intensity and may improve with appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis is clinical and involves ruling out medical conditions. Treatment typically includes cognitive-behavioral therapy aimed at reducing health-related anxiety and avoidance, sometimes combined with structured medical follow-up to provide consistent care. Pharmacotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors may be used for comorbid anxiety or depression and can have modest benefits for health anxiety.