Introduction to IllnessAnxiety
Disorder
• Formerly known as Hypochondriasis
• Persistent fear of having or acquiring a serious
illness despite reassurance
2.
Key Characteristics &
Misinterpretations
•Persistent conviction of illness despite medical
reassurance
• Misinterpretation of normal bodily sensations
as serious illness
• High anxiety and preoccupation with health
• Distinction from Somatic Symptom Disorder:
IAD has mild or no physical symptoms
3.
DSM-5 Criteria (A–C)
•Criterion A: Preoccupation with
having/acquiring serious illness
• Criterion B: Mild or no somatic symptoms;
disproportionate worry
• Criterion C: High health anxiety and alarm
over personal health
4.
Impact on DailyLife & Behaviour
• Disruption in work, social, and personal life
• Example: Hannah quitting job due to health
fears
• Reduced quality of life due to preoccupation
5.
Health-Related Behaviours
• Excessiveinternet searches (cyberchondria)
• Seeking unnecessary tests or reassurance
• Repeated body checking for illness signs
• Maladaptive avoidance: skipping doctor visits,
avoiding sick people or exercise
• Risk of prescription drug misuse
6.
DSM-5 Criteria (D–F)+ Specifiers
• Criterion D: Excessive behaviours or
maladaptive avoidance
• Criterion E: Illness concern persists for 6+
months
• Criterion F: Not better explained by another
mental disorder
• Specify: Care-seeking vs Care-avoidant type
7.
Prevalence, Onset &Demographics
• 3–8% in general population
• Equal in males and females
• Typical onset: early to middle adulthood
8.
Causes & AssociatedFactors
• Psychodynamic: unconscious conflict,
projection, guilt
• Learning/Social: observation of illness,
personal medical history
• Biological: low discomfort tolerance,
heightened sensitivity to symptoms
9.
Case Snapshot: Hannah’sStory
• Real-life example showing impact on daily
function
• Visual flow showing health anxiety cycle
10.
Influence of Media& Modern
Factors
• Role of internet, news, and COVID-19 in
increasing health anxiety
• Example: Fear escalation due to health
misinformation
11.
Summary & Discussion
•Recap: Definition, DSM-5 criteria, impacts,
behaviours, and causes
• Invite questions or discussion
• Quote: "An anxious mind is like a magnifying
glass for symptoms"
