Overview
Illness anxiety disorder is a condition characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about being or becoming seriously ill. People with illness anxiety disorder may have no physical symptoms or may believe that normal body sensations or minor symptoms are signs of severe illness. This excessive anxiety can disrupt daily life and cause significant distress.
Types of Illness anxiety disorder
- Primary Illness Anxiety Disorder: This type of illness anxiety disorder is not caused by any underlying medical condition or psychological factor.
- Secondary Illness Anxiety Disorder: This type of illness anxiety disorder is caused by an underlying medical condition or psychological factor.
- Comorbid Illness Anxiety Disorder: This type of illness anxiety disorder is co-occurring with another mental health condition.
Causes of Illness anxiety disorder
- Genetic factors: Having a family history of anxiety disorders or mental health conditions may increase the risk of developing illness anxiety disorder.
- Environmental factors: Traumatic events, such as a serious illness or injury in the past, may trigger the development of illness anxiety disorder.
- Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine may contribute to the development of illness anxiety disorder.
- Lack of knowledge about health: People who have limited knowledge about health and medical conditions may be more likely to develop illness anxiety disorder.
Risk Factors of Illness anxiety disorder
- Age: Illness anxiety disorder is more common in young adults and older adults.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop illness anxiety disorder than men.
- Family history: Having a family member with an anxiety disorder or mental health condition may increase the risk of developing illness anxiety disorder.
- Personality traits: People with certain personality traits, such as perfectionism or low self-esteem, may be more susceptible to developing illness anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of Illness anxiety disorder
1. Excessive worry about being or becoming seriously ill: People with illness anxiety disorder may worry excessively about contracting a serious illness or developing a chronic condition.
2. Checking for symptoms: People with illness anxiety disorder may constantly check for symptoms of illness, such as monitoring their body temperature or checking for lumps in their body.
3. Avoiding certain activities: People with illness anxiety disorder may avoid certain activities due to fear of contracting an illness or making their condition worse.
4. Feeling anxious or on edge: People with illness anxiety disorder may feel constantly anxious or on edge due to their concerns about being ill.
Preventions of Illness anxiety disorder
- Educating oneself about health: Learning about different health conditions and their symptoms can help reduce worries about being ill.
- Seeking professional help: Seeking help from a mental health professional can help individuals develop coping strategies and reduce excessive worry.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Engaging in regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet can help reduce overall stress and anxiety.
Diagnosis of Illness anxiety disorder
- Medical evaluation: A thorough medical evaluation will be conducted to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms.
- Psychological evaluation: A psychological evaluation will be conducted to assess the individual's symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder.
- Assessment tools: Standardized assessment tools will be used to assess the individual's symptoms and level of distress.
Treatment for Illness anxiety disorder
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
- Medications: Medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization can help reduce symptoms of anxiety.
When to seek medical attention ?
If you are experiencing excessive worry and anxiety about being or becoming seriously ill, you should consult a doctor for an evaluation. If you are experiencing any symptoms of depression or social isolation, you should seek help from a mental health professional.
