Overview
- Definition: Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD), formerly known as hypochondriasis, is characterized by excessive worry about having a serious illness despite having little or no medical evidence to support such concerns.
- Prevalence: Less common in children compared to adults, but can significantly impact a child's daily life and functioning.
Symptoms
- Excessive Worry: Persistent fear of having a serious illness.
- Body Monitoring: Frequent checking of the body for signs of illness.
- Health-Related Behaviors: Repeatedly seeking reassurance from parents, doctors, or teachers.
- Avoidance: Avoiding activities or situations that are perceived to pose health risks.
- Preoccupation: Preoccupation with health concerns that can interfere with school performance and social activities.
- Somatic Complaints: Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches that do not have a medical explanation.
Causes
- Genetic Factors: Family history of anxiety disorders or other mental health conditions.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to serious illness in family members or significant others.
- Psychological Factors: Personal history of trauma or stress, personality traits such as a tendency toward anxiety.
Diagnosis