Illness Anxiety Disorder

Posted byRatel Health
Evidence-based mental health content, reviewed by psychologists and psychiatrists
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)Autism Spectrum DisorderBipolar I DisorderObsessive-Compulsive DisorderPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Illness Anxiety Disorder

Medically reviewed · Ratel Health editorial team · Sunday, 16 August 2026

A condition involving persistent preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness, despite few or no somatic symptoms.

Overview

Illness anxiety disorder involves persistent preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness, with few or no somatic symptoms present, along with a high level of health-related anxiety.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can include excessive health-related behaviors such as repeatedly checking for signs of illness, or maladaptive avoidance of medical care, along with easy alarm about personal health status. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause is not fully understood. Anxiety proneness, past experiences with illness, and health-related misinformation are each associated with the condition.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy has evidence supporting its use for illness anxiety disorder.

Living With Illness Anxiety Disorder

Limiting repeated health-related searching and checking behaviors, as guided in therapy, can help reduce anxiety.

When to Seek Professional Help

Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.

Emergency Situations

If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.

Outlook

Many people experience significant symptom reduction with cognitive behavioral treatment.

Related Conditions

Somatic Symptom Disorder

A condition involving distressing somatic symptoms along with excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to those symptoms.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

A persistent pattern of excessive, difficult-to-control worry about everyday events and activities.

Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder)

A condition involving neurological symptoms, such as weakness or non-epileptic seizures, that are incompatible with recognized neurological disease.

Medical Information Disclaimer

Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
  • National Institute of Mental Health.
  • World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.