Illness Anxiety Disorder (previously called hypochondria) is a chronic mental health condition where a person constantly fears having a serious illness despite normal reports and little or no symptoms. Even small body sensations can feel life-threatening.
People may repeatedly visit doctors, undergo multiple tests, search symptoms online for hours, and still struggle to feel reassured. Triggers can include stress, trauma, family history of anxiety, serious illness in loved ones, or reading and hearing about diseases.
The disorder affects much more than health — it impacts sleep, relationships, studies, work, and emotional well-being. Many people silently cry, feel hopeless, and spend large amounts of money on repeated medical tests simply to calm their mind for a short time.
Common symptoms include:
- Constant fear of serious illness
- Frequent doctor visits and medical tests
- Excessive internet searching about symptoms
- Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
- Repeated reassurance-seeking from family and doctors
But there is hope. Treatment with a psychiatrist, medications if needed, and psychological counselling such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help individuals manage anxiety, break the fear cycle, and regain control over life.
MBH/DB