Do I Have Illness Anxiety Disorder?

Do you experience preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness?

Can you confirm that somatic symptoms are not present or, if present, are only mild in intensity?

Do you experience a high level of anxiety about health, and are you easily alarmed about personal health status?

Do you perform excessive health-related behaviors (e.g., repeatedly checking your body for signs of illness) or exhibit maladaptive avoidance (e.g., avoiding doctor appointments)?

Has illness preoccupation been present for at least 6 months?

Can you confirm that the illness-ranted preoccupation is not better explained by another mental disorder, such as somatic symptom disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or delusional disorder, somatic type?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have illness anxiety disorder.

It is unlikely that you have illness anxiety disorder. The disorder is characterized by excessively worrying that you are or may become very ill, without having symptoms. You may also think that normal sensations are signs of a severe health problem. If this worry makes it hard for you to function normally, it may be useful to talk with your doctor.

While it seems unlikely that you have illness anxiety disorder, you are displaying some symptoms related to the disorder. It may be important to be evaluated by your doctor. If necessary, your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional. It’s important to seek medical attention if you are displaying symptoms related to the disorder, because illness anxiety disorder can cause many other problems such as relationship problems, issues at work, financial problems, or other mental disorders.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have illness anxiety disorder. If you have issues with anxiety, visit your doctor as soon as possible. It may be important to understand your body reactions when you are stressed, and relaxation techniques may help to keep your symptoms under control. Your doctor may conduct a physical exam and other tests to determine a diagnosis. Treatment of illness anxiety disorder usually consists of psychotherapy, sometimes together with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used, and helps you to manage symptoms and to learn healthy ways to cope with your worries.