Illness Anxiety Disorder

People with illness anxiety disorder, sometimes known as hypochondria or hypochondriasis, fear that they have a serious medical condition or that they’re at high risk of becoming ill. They may also misinterpret typical body functions as signs of illness.

To medical professionals, these fears might look unjustified or unrealistic because there’s no supporting evidence that the provider can find. But for people with illness anxiety disorder, their fears are very real to them. It’s not something they can control.

Even after medical tests show no problems, people with hypochondriasis have trouble focusing on anything other than worrying about being very sick. Their persistent health worries can interfere with their relationships, careers and lives. You may be more familiar with the term hypochondria or health anxiety. Healthcare providers now use the term illness anxiety disorder.

Some people with illness anxiety disorder may actually have a diagnosed physical illness. But because of illness anxiety disorder, you may feel your condition is more severe than it is.

What are the types of illness anxiety disorder?

Someone with illness anxiety disorder generally fits into one of these categories:

• Care-seeking: You spend a lot of time in a healthcare setting. You seek advice from multiple specialists and request medical tests.
• Care-avoidant: You avoid healthcare providers and medical care. You might not trust doctors or you think they don’t take your symptoms seriously. This can create more fear and anxiety.

How common is illness anxiety disorder?

Illness anxiety disorder (hypochondria) is extremely rare. It affects about 0.1% of people in the U.S. It typically appears during early adulthood.