Who does hypochondria affect?

The disorder affects men and women equally and is seen across all age groups in adulthood, with the majority falling between 18 and 50. It’s not uncommon, though, to see health anxiety appear in the elderly.

Is hypochondria anxiety disorder?

Illness anxiety disorder, sometimes called hypochondriasis or health anxiety, is worrying excessively that you are or may become seriously ill. You may have no physical symptoms.

What can cause hypochondria?

What causes hypochondria?

• have had major stress, illness or a death in the family.
• were neglected or abused as a child.
• have a serious physical illness.
• have a mental health issue such as anxiety, depression, a compulsive disorder or a psychotic illness.
• have a personality that tends to make everything seem worse than it is.

What are the main types of mental ill health according to DSM ICD classification?

Some of the main groups of mental disorders are:

• mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder)
• anxiety disorders.
• personality disorders.
• psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia)
• eating disorders.
• trauma-related disorders (such as post-traumatic stress disorder)
• substance abuse disorders.

Can hypochondria cause real symptoms?

Hypochondria symptoms can vary, depending on factors such as stress, age, and whether the person is already an extreme worrier. Health anxiety can actually have its own symptoms because it’s possible for the person to have stomachaches, dizziness, or pain as a result of their overwhelming anxiety.

What hypochondria means?

Medical Definition of hypochondria : excessive concern about one’s health especially when accompanied by imagined physical ailments specifically : illness anxiety disorder Hypochondria involves persistent, unfounded fears about having a serious disease.

What’s the difference between Munchausen’s and hypochondria?

Hypochondria, also called illness anxiety disorder, is when you’re completely preoccupied and worried that you’re sick. Munchausen syndrome, now known as factitious disorder, is when you always want to be sick.

Can hypochondria cause depression?

A high percentage of patients with hypochondria also have major depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder.

Is health anxiety the same as hypochondria?

Health anxiety (sometimes called hypochondria) is when you spend so much time worrying you’re ill, or about getting ill, that it starts to take over your life.

Which is better DSM or ICD?

ICD is more comprehensive than DSM. DSM is more accurate than ICD. ICD is the official international classification in psychiatry. DSM is the only classification used in the USA.

Can depression cause hypochondria?

Hypochondriac Symptoms About two-thirds of hypochondriacs have a co-existing psychiatric disorder, such as panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or major depression. Hypochondria symptoms can vary, depending on factors such as stress, age, and whether the person is already an extreme worrier.