2nd February 2024

Criteria for Diagnosis

Persistent preoccupation or fear about the possibility of having one or more serious, progressive or life-threatening illnesses.

The preoccupation is accompanied by either:

• Repetitive and excessive health-related behaviours, such as repeatedly checking the body for evidence of illness, spending inordinate amounts of time searching for information about the feared illness, repeatedly seeking reassurance (e.g., arranging multiple medical consultations); or
• Maladaptive avoidance behaviour related to health (e.g., avoiding medical appointments).

The symptoms result in significant distress or significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning. If functioning is maintained, it is only through significant additional effort.

The course of illness anxiety disorder is uncertain. It is a longstanding relapsing condition. It can start usually in early and middle adulthood.