Illness Anxiety Disorder DSM-5 Criteria

Illness anxiety disorder in the DSM-5 is characterized by a preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness, accompanied by high levels of anxiety about health. Individuals often misinterpret normal bodily sensations as signs of severe illness.

Illness anxiety disorder focuses on the fear of having a serious illness despite mild somatic symptoms or no somatic symptoms. In contrast, Somatic Symptom Disorder involves distressing physical and severe symptoms that may or may not be associated with a diagnosed medical illness.

Criteria for illness anxiety disorder include preoccupation with health, minimal somatic symptoms, excessive health-related behaviors or avoidance, and the preoccupation lasting at least six months without explanation by another mental disorder that is causing excessive concern.