My Take on Anxiety

Understanding Illness Anxiety Disorder 

Most of us worry about our health from time to time. A new headache starts to form, even a lingering cough —- it’s normal to feel concerned. But for some people, the feeling of developing serious illnesses can become distressing, constant, or life-consuming. 

Formerly known as hypochondriasis, Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD) is a mental health condition for individuals who consistently think they’re developing some sort of illness, when in reality they aren’t. Even with medical evaluations showing little or no evidence of disease, people are not convinced. 

What is Illness Anxiety Disorder? 

This mental condition can be characterized by the following: 

• Persistent fear of having or developing an illness

• High levels of anxiety lasting 6 months or more

• Excessive checking of the body for signs of illness

• Frequent reassurance (doctor visits) 

Emotion: Anxiety ~ Inside Out 2

Importantly, people with IAD typically have none or mild symptoms of illness. When significant symptoms are present, the diagnosis may shift to Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD). 

There are two types of people: 

• Care-seeking type: frequent visits to doctors for reassurance

• Care-avoidant type: avoids medical care due to fear of bad news

Interestingly enough, research suggests that there are many types of individuals that fluctuate between both types. 

How Common is IAD? Why does it Matter? 

• According to research, 2-13% of adults in the general population experience health anxiety, with both men and women being affected equally. Health anxiety increased significantly, especially during global health crises like COVID-19. 

• IAD is not just worrying about your health, but it can be associated with significant emotional distress and impaired daily functioning. Despite medical reassurance, the fear persists — and it can be frustrating for both patients and healthcare workers. 

Is Diagnosis Controversial? 

Emerging research suggests that the differences may simply be the severity of physical symptoms. Currently, IAD sits under “Somatic Symptoms and Related Disorders.” However, it shares many features with anxiety disorders, like excessive worrying and hypervigilance to bodily sensations. 

What Happens in the Brain? What are the Risk Factors? 

• Some studies suggest that the amygdala, which processes fear, gets affected most. However, much more research is needed to conclude this statement. 

• Some risk factors link to childhood illness experiences, having a parent with health anxiety, trauma from childhood, or genetic vulnerability. Health professionals aren’t sure of what exactly causes this disorder. 

Are there Treatments that Work? 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps patients challenge their catastrophic health beliefs, reduce avoidance behaviors, and tolerate their uncertainties. 

• Analysis shows improvements from 12-18 months, and committing to therapy online works just as well as in-person. 

• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy are Emerging Methods that help reduce anxiety as well. However, these treatments have not yet been excessively studied. 

Key Takeaway: 

In Illness Anxiety Disorder: A Review of the Current Research and Future Directions, the authors highlight that IAD is a serious but treatable condition. While CBT is an effective treatment, more research is needed to better understand and improve care for this disorder, especially for young children and adolescents. 

Sources: 

Kikas, Katarina, et al. “Illness Anxiety Disorder: A Review of the Current Research and Future Directions.” Current Psychiatry Reports, vol. 26, no. 7, 15 May 2024, rdcu.be/dIg2T, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-024-01507-2.