What Is Illness Anxiety Disorder?

Signs And Symptoms

Illness anxiety disorder signs and symptoms come in a variety of different feelings and behaviors and vary among individuals. However, the accepted symptoms include believing normal changes of body sensations as signs of a serious illness, exaggerating the severity of health issues seen in the news including the potential of being affected, continually researching symptoms and conditions (often being compelled to do so), and not believing a doctor’s diagnosis. Another potential symptom is thinking physical signs of anxiety indicate a critical illness, although this is most often associated with SSD instead. These symptoms often negatively influence personal and professional relationships.

Of course, it is also important to note individuals with a specific medical condition can experience IAD regarding the severity of their diagnosis, adding symptoms of anxiety to the already preexisting symptoms of their condition.

Continue reading to learn information about the potential causes and risk factors of IAD.