Mental Health Friday 2023-02-24
On Mental Health Friday, we post, in alphabetical order, one per week, information on mental health disorders. Mental Health Friday is for informational purposes only, and is in no way meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please do not self diagnose and seek professional help for what ails you.
Illness anxiety disorder (Hypochondriasis)
By Editorial Team AI
Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD), formerly known as hypochondriasis, is a somatic symptom disorder characterized by excessive preoccupation or fear of having a serious illness or disease despite having no or mild physical symptoms. Individuals with IAD often experience significant distress and functional impairment, and their anxiety can be so severe that it affects their daily activities and relationships.
History:
The term hypochondriasis was first coined in the 19th century to describe people who constantly worried about their health and believed they had serious illnesses. The diagnosis of hypochondriasis was included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) from the third edition (DSM-III) until the fifth edition (DSM-5), where it was replaced by Illness Anxiety Disorder.
Diagnosis:
To meet the diagnostic criteria for IAD, an individual must exhibit excessive preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness for at least 6 months, which causes significant distress or functional impairment. They must also demonstrate at least one of the following: 1) persistent and disproportionate thoughts or fears about the seriousness of their symptoms; 2) high levels of anxiety about their health; 3) excessive health-related behaviors such as checking for symptoms or seeking reassurance from medical professionals; and 4) avoidance of medical care due to fear of receiving a diagnosis of a serious illness.
IAD must be distinguished from other medical conditions that can present with somatic symptoms, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and substance use disorders. A thorough medical evaluation is necessary to rule out any physical illnesses that may account for the symptoms.
Treatment:
The treatment for IAD typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used psychotherapy for IAD. CBT aims to identify and modify the patient’s beliefs and attitudes about illness, and to teach them coping skills to manage their anxiety and reduce their health-related behaviors. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly used medications to treat IAD.
Prognosis:
The prognosis for IAD is generally good with appropriate treatment. However, the disorder can be chronic, and some individuals may experience relapses. The long-term outcomes are also influenced by the presence of comorbid psychiatric disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
Complications:
Individuals with IAD may experience significant functional impairment and decreased quality of life. They may also experience social and occupational difficulties, as well as relationship problems.
Patient education:
Patients with IAD can benefit from education about their condition, including information about the nature and causes of the disorder, the importance of seeking appropriate medical evaluation, and the availability of effective treatments. Patients can also benefit from learning coping skills to manage their anxiety and reduce their health-related behaviors.
In conclusion, IAD is a somatic symptom disorder characterized by excessive preoccupation or fear of having a serious illness despite having no or mild physical symptoms. The diagnosis is made based on specific criteria, and treatment involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for IAD is generally good, and patients can improve their quality of life by learning coping skills and receiving education about their condition.