2nd February 2024

Background

Illness anxiety disorder is an illness where an individual is preoccupied with himself or herself either having or acquiring a grave undiagnosed medical illness. Somatic symptoms may or may not exist. Illness anxiety is similar to a generalised anxiety disorder that is focused exclusively on health concerns.

Individuals with illness anxiety disorder are more often seen in GP surgery and medical unit than in psychiatric settings. They have some medical illnesses that they are worried about.

Various comorbidities can coexist with illness anxiety disorders. It includes anxiety disorders, generalised anxiety disorders, OCD, panic disorder, somatic symptom disorder, and personality disorder.