Question
Diagnostic criteria for illness anxiety disorder
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Illness Anxiety Disorder, previously known as Hypochondriasis, is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the diagnostic criteria for Illness Anxiety Disorder are as follows:
1. **Preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness**: The individual has a persistent fear or concern about having a serious medical condition based on an interpretation of body symptoms or health-related information.
2. **Somatic symptoms are not present or are minimal**: If somatic symptoms are present, they are not sufficient to warrant the diagnosis. Individuals may experience mild symptoms, but these are not indicative of a serious medical condition.
3. **High level of anxiety about health**: The individual's preoccupation with health concerns causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
4. **Duration**: The preoccupation with illness must be present for at least 6 months, although the specific illness that is feared may change over that period.
5. **Not better explained by another mental disorder**: The symptoms are not attributable to another mental disorder, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
It’s important for a qualified mental health professional to conduct a thorough assessment to accurately diagnose and differentiate it from other medical or psychological conditions. Treatment often involves cognitive-behavioral therapy, education, and sometimes medication.
1. **Preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness**: The individual has a persistent fear or concern about having a serious medical condition based on an interpretation of body symptoms or health-related information.
2. **Somatic symptoms are not present or are minimal**: If somatic symptoms are present, they are not sufficient to warrant the diagnosis. Individuals may experience mild symptoms, but these are not indicative of a serious medical condition.
3. **High level of anxiety about health**: The individual's preoccupation with health concerns causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
4. **Duration**: The preoccupation with illness must be present for at least 6 months, although the specific illness that is feared may change over that period.
5. **Not better explained by another mental disorder**: The symptoms are not attributable to another mental disorder, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
It’s important for a qualified mental health professional to conduct a thorough assessment to accurately diagnose and differentiate it from other medical or psychological conditions. Treatment often involves cognitive-behavioral therapy, education, and sometimes medication.