Concept

Hypochondriasis

Hypochondriasis, commonly known as hypochondria was considered a disorder where an individual believes that they have illnesses or symptoms of diseases, even when they did not. It caused anxiety and distress for patients, and potentially impeded their day-to-day functioning. However, in the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), hypochondria itself was declassified as a separate disorder and instead was considered a symptom or manifestation that occurred in two different disorders. Certain characteristic features of hypochondriasis were classified under Illness Anxiety Disorder and more severe manifestations under Somatic Symptom Disorder. These disorders are both largely characterized by the preoccupation over certain undiagnosed or unexplained symptoms that persist in the individual.

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Updated 2026-02-22

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Clinical Practice of Psychology

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