Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondriasis) - Causes, Signs & Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment

Max points: 5 Type: Mental Disorder Explainer

This content explores illness anxiety disorder, a condition marked by excessive worry about serious illness despite minimal symptoms. It explains causes, symptoms, DSM-5 criteria, and treatment options. Helpful for understanding health anxiety, it highlights how cognitive and emotional factors fuel the cycle and how therapy can break it.

Channel: Med Today Duration: 0:02:44

Questions

1. According to DSM-5, for how long must an individual be preoccupied with having a serious illness to meet the criteria?

At least 6 months At least 12 months At least 3 months At least 2 years

2. Which behavior is commonly associated with illness anxiety disorder?

Avoiding news and health articles Excessive online searches for medical information Seeking relaxation activities only Engaging in regular sports competitions

3. What was illness anxiety disorder previously referred to as?

Generalized anxiety disorder Obsessive-compulsive disorder Hypochondriasis Somatic symptom disorder

4. Which of the following is a common cognitive bias in illness anxiety disorder?

Optimistic thinking Positive reinforcement Denial of illness Catastrophizing health outcomes

5. What type of treatment is typically used for illness anxiety disorder?

Alternative medicine exclusively Only surgery Psychotherapy and sometimes SSRIs Strict diet and exercise

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