Illness Anxiety Disorder

Illness Anxiety Disorder, as outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), is a mental disorder characterised by a preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious, undiagnosed medical illness. The DSM-5 criteria for Illness Anxiety Disorder says the following criteria should be present for an IAD diagnosis:

1. Preoccupation with Having or Acquiring a Serious Illness: Individuals with Illness Anxiety Disorder are excessively concerned about the possibility that they have, or are at risk of developing, a serious illness. This concern persists despite medical evaluation and reassurance, and is not better explained by another mental disorder.
2. High Level of Anxiety about Health: There is a pronounced anxiety about health, and the individual is easily alarmed about personal health status.
3. Excessive Health-Related Behaviours or Maladaptive Avoidance: The disorder may manifest in one of two ways: either through excessive health behaviours (such as frequently checking one’s body for signs of illness) or through avoidant behaviours (such as avoiding medical care and health-related information due to fear of discovering a serious illness).
4. Duration: The preoccupation lasts for at least six months, though the specific illness that is feared may change over that period of time.
5. Not Better Explained: The preoccupation is not better accounted for by another mental disorder, such as Somatic Symptom Disorder, Panic Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or Delusional Disorder.
6. Performance Impairment or Distress: The preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

This disorder is often associated with high levels of distress and impairment, and it can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life. Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy (especially cognitive-behavioural therapy) and medication. The goal of treatment is to help the individual manage their anxiety, change their behaviour and thought patterns, and improve their coping strategies.