Hypochondriasis

Definition

Hypochondriasis is characterised by persistent preoccupation or fear about the possibility of having one or more serious, progressive or life-threatening illnesses. The preoccupation is accompanied by either: 1) repetitive and excessive health-related behaviours, such as repeatedly checking the body for evidence of illness, spending inordinate amounts of time searching for information about the feared illness, repeatedly seeking reassurance (e.g. arranging multiple medical consultations); or 2) maladaptive avoidance behaviour related to health (e.g. avoids medical appointments). The symptoms result in significant distress or significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning.

Inclusions

• Hypochondriacal neurosis
• Illness anxiety disorder

Exclusions

• Bodily distress disorder (6C20)
• Body dysmorphic disorder (6B21)
• Fear of cancer (MG24.0)

3 subordinate codes

• 6B23.0Hypochondriasis with fair to good insight
• 6B23.1Hypochondriasis with poor to absent insight
• 4B4ZDiseases of the immune system, unspecified

Nearby in Obsessive-compulsive or related disorders

• 6B20Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• 6B21Body dysmorphic disorder
• 6B22Olfactory reference disorder
• 6B24Hoarding disorder
• 6B25Body-focused repetitive behaviour disorders
• Substance-induced obsessive-compulsive or related disorders
• 4B4YOther specified diseases of the immune system
• 4B4ZDiseases of the immune system, unspecified