Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Hypochondriasis (now more commonly referred to as Illness Anxiety Disorder) is a condition in which a person is excessively worried about having a serious illness, despite medical evaluations and assurances that they do not.
A chronic condition where people have uncontrollable recurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that they feel the urge to repeat over and over again.
A mental health condition where individuals focus too much on physical symptoms — such as pain or fatigue — leading them to believe they have a serious illness, even when there is no medical explanation.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): A mental disorder in which you can't stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance — a flaw that appears minor or can't be seen by others.