Illness anxiety disorder is a chronic mental illness previously known as hypochondria. People with this disorder have a persistent fear that they have a serious or life-threatening illness despite few or no symptoms. Medications and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help.
People with illness anxiety disorder -- also called hypochondria or hypochondriasis -- have an unrealistic fear that they have a serious medical condition or fear that they’re at high risk of becoming ill. They may misinterpret typical body functions as signs of illness.
Even after medical tests show no problems, people with hypochondriasis are still preoccupied with the idea that think they’re seriously sick. Their persistent health worries can interfere with their relationships, careers and life.
You may be more familiar with the term hypochondria or health anxiety. Healthcare providers now use the term illness anxiety disorder. People with illness anxiety disorder can’t control how they feel. Their fears are very real to them.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Illness anxiety disorder (hypochondria) is extremely rare. It affects about 0.1% of Americans. It typically appears during early adulthood. Illness anxiety disorder can affect all ages and genders.
Someone with illness anxiety disorder generally fits into one of these categories:
Someone with somatic symptom disorder may obsess and worry about their health — just like someone with illness anxiety disorder. A person with somatic symptom disorder has true physical symptoms. But medical tests can’t pinpoint a cause for the physical symptom.
Healthcare experts don’t know why some people develop illness anxiety disorder. You may be more prone to illness anxiety disorder if you have a family history of:
People with illness anxiety disorder have ongoing but unrealistic fear about being seriously ill. The specific illness(es) that they worry about often changes.
Some people with illness anxiety disorder may actually have a diagnosed physical illness. But because of illness anxiety disorder, they may feel their condition is more severe than it is.
Symptoms of illness anxiety disorder include:
To diagnose illness anxiety disorder, healthcare providers refer to the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), 5th edition. Your provider may make a diagnosis or they may refer you to a behavioral health specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
A persistent fear about having a serious illness or developing one is the top symptom of illness anxiety disorder. Your provider may diagnose illness anxiety disorder if you have health anxiety (or other illness anxiety disorder symptoms) for six months or longer even after tests show that you’re not sick.
Constant fear and worry can cause stress that impacts your physical and mental well-being. Illness anxiety disorder can harm your relationships and life. You may miss out on time with loved ones because you’re concerned about your health. Some people become severely depressed and even suicidal.
Illness anxiety disorder also puts you at risk for:
Your healthcare provider may partner with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to help you manage the disorder. But you will continue to receive regular care from your provider.
Treatment goals focus on improving quality of life by minimizing symptoms. Treatments include:
Unfortunately, there is no known prevention against illness anxiety disorder. However, providing the illness anxiety disorder patient with support and understanding may help reduce severity of the symptoms, and help the patient cope with the disorder.
Illness anxiety disorder is a chronic (ongoing) condition. You may go through periods where you have little or no health anxiety — and then it returns. You can take steps to keep illness anxiety disorder symptoms in check.
You might consider seeing a provider if you or others notice signs of illness anxiety disorder. You should call your healthcare provider if you experience depression, anxiety or other mood changes.
If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. This national network of local crisis centers provides 24/7 free, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Everyone worries about their health from time to time. But if health anxiety affects your ability to enjoy life, you should talk honestly with your healthcare provider. Your provider can diagnose and treat illness anxiety disorder. Living with illness anxiety disorder can be challenging, but you can learn coping skills to help you enjoy good health again.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/02/2021.
Learn more about our editorial process.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy