Frequently Asked Questions about Illness Anxiety Disorder

No. The physical feelings (or symptoms) such people experience are real; their main problem is that they interpret them as signs of illness.

Some mental disorders have symptoms similar to illness anxiety disorder. Some people with specific phobias are very afraid of certain medical procedures; for example, undergoing an MRI, because of their fear of confined spaces. Also, in panic or anxiety disorders, the person experiences certain feelings and worries that they imply some imminent danger (at that moment or when a panic attack occurs). In generalised anxiety disorder, the person may worry excessively about the health of others. Some people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may have obsessions or compulsions related to physical sensations. Some of these disorders can occur simultaneously. A health professional will evaluate the diagnosis that best fits what the person is experiencing.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a type of active psychological treatment in which the person spends time each day practising certain skills or tasks. In illness anxiety disorder, cognitive behavioural therapy involves identifying those feelings which are feared and/or avoided, to learn to cope with them and to try new ways of managing them.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is considered the best option for illness anxiety disorder. However, this type of treatment can be difficult to obtain in our context, since not all professionals who provide psychological treatment have experience in its application. In practice, psychopharmacological treatment (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) have been shown to be effective for this disorder and may be more accessible; since they can be prescribed from Primary Care and are commonly used in psychiatry.

Yes. It is possible to combine the two types of treatment.

It is not known what makes someone respond to cognitive behavioural therapy. However, if the person is actively involved in following the treatment (by trying to do the tasks the therapist suggests), they are more likely to improve.