Do I Have Illness Anxiety Disorder?

Illness Anxiety Disorder is a disorder involving excessive concern with one’s health in the absence of objective, verifiable evidence of a health condition (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Someone with Illness Anxiety Disorder may have a preoccupation with the idea that they have or will get a serious illness. They have a lack of somatic symptoms, but are hyper aware of their health, and often feel distressed about their health, changes in their health, or unidentified symptoms. The person will frequently monitor themselves for signs of illness, such as checking their temperature several times per day. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic many of us may experience some degree of these symptoms, but this does not mean you have an anxiety disorder. To meet criteria for Illness anxiety disorder the preoccupation has to have persisted at least six months, although the source of anxiety may change- e.g., fear of cancer then a fear of heart failure. Regardless of how long this anxiety has been present, professional support may be helpful in helping you feel more like yourself.

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