People with this disorder have an unrealistic fear that they have a serious medical condition or fear that they’re at high risk of becoming ill. They may misinterpret typical body functions as signs of illness.

Even after medical tests show no problems, people with hypochondriasis are still preoccupied with the idea that think they’re seriously sick. Their persistent health worries can interfere with their relationships, careers and life.
However, Health anxiety disorder (hypochondria) is extremely rare.

We have two types of Health Anxiety Disorders.

• Care-seekers: these people spend a lot of time in a healthcare setting. They seek advice from multiple specialists and request medical tests.
• Care-avoiders: These people avoid doctors and medical care. They might not trust doctors or you think they don’t take their symptoms seriously. This can create more fear and anxiety.

Hypochondriasis is different from somatic symptom disorder where in the latter a person with somatic symptom disorder has true physical symptoms. But medical tests can’t pinpoint a cause for the physical symptom.

People with family of history of the following will likely suffer health Anxiety disorders:-

• Childhood trauma, such as child abuse or neglect.
• Extreme stress.
• Health anxieties or other anxiety disorders in your family.
• Childhood illness or serious illness in your family during childhood.
• Mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
• Trauma, such as rape or physical or emotional abuse.

Symptoms

• Avoiding people or places due to worry about catching an illness.
• Constantly researching diseases and symptoms.
• Exaggerating symptoms and their severity (for instance, a cough becomes a sign of lung cancer).
• High level of anxiety about personal health.
• Obsession with normal body functions, such as heart rate.
• Oversharing your symptoms and health status with others.
• Repeatedly checking for signs of illness, such as taking your blood pressure or temperature.
• Seeking reassurance from loved ones about your symptoms or health.
• Uneasiness with healthy body functions like gas or sweating.

Constant fear and worry can cause stress that impacts one’s physical and mental well-being. Illness anxiety disorder can harm relationships and life. Some people become severely depressed and even suicidal.