Illness Anxiety Disorder Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Question

Hey everyone! 👋 Struggling to grasp all the nuances of Illness Anxiety Disorder? I totally get it, it can be a tricky one! I've put together a quick study guide and a quiz to help us solidify our understanding. Let's tackle it together! 🧠

renee322 · Accepted Answer

📚 Quick Study Guide: Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD)

🔍 Definition: Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD), formerly known as hypochondriasis, is characterized by a persistent preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness, despite having few or no somatic (physical) symptoms.
🧠 Core Feature: The primary concern is the *idea* of being sick, not the physical symptoms themselves. Individuals experience high levels of anxiety about their health.
⏳ Duration Criterion: The preoccupation must be present for at least 6 months, though the specific feared illness may change over time.
🩺 Symptom Presentation: Somatic symptoms, if present, are typically mild and non-distressing, or the individual is preoccupied with an existing medical condition that is not severe or for which their concern is clearly excessive.
🧐 Distinction from Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD): In IAD, the focus is on the *fear of having* an illness, with minimal or no actual physical symptoms. In SSD, the focus is on the *distress caused by actual physical symptoms*.
🚨 Behavioral Manifestations: Individuals often engage in excessive health-related behaviors (e.g., repeatedly checking their body for signs of illness, seeking reassurance from doctors or family) OR maladaptive avoidance (e.g., avoiding doctor appointments, hospitals).
🩹 Treatment Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly effective, helping individuals challenge maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. Other treatments include psychodynamic therapy and, in some cases, medication (e.g., SSRIs) to manage anxiety.

📝 Practice Quiz: Illness Anxiety Disorder

1. What is the primary characteristic of Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD)?

A) Experiencing severe and debilitating physical symptoms without a medical explanation.
B) A persistent preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness despite minimal or no somatic symptoms.
C) Delusional belief that one is suffering from a terminal disease.
D) Factitious disorder, where symptoms are intentionally produced for attention.

2. According to the DSM-5, what is the minimum duration for the preoccupation with illness to be considered Illness Anxiety Disorder?

A) 1 month
B) 3 months
C) 6 months
D) 12 months

3. Which of the following best differentiates Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD) from Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)?

A) IAD involves intentionally feigning symptoms, while SSD does not.
B) IAD focuses on the fear of *having* an illness, while SSD focuses on the distress from *actual physical symptoms*.
C) SSD is more common in men, while IAD is more common in women.
D) IAD symptoms are always medically unexplained, whereas SSD symptoms have a clear medical cause.

4. An individual with Illness Anxiety Disorder is most likely to engage in which of the following behaviors?

A) Ignoring all potential health concerns and avoiding medical information.
B) Repeatedly checking their body for signs of illness and seeking frequent reassurance.
C) Exaggerating existing physical symptoms to gain sympathy.
D) Developing new physical symptoms to match a feared illness.

5. Which therapeutic approach is considered most effective for treating Illness Anxiety Disorder?

A) Psychoanalysis focusing on early childhood trauma.
B) Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).
C) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
D) Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) without cognitive restructuring.

6. What role do actual physical symptoms play in the diagnosis of Illness Anxiety Disorder?

A) Severe and distressing physical symptoms are required for diagnosis.
B) Physical symptoms must be entirely absent for diagnosis.
C) Somatic symptoms, if present, are typically mild and non-distressing, or the individual's concern is clearly excessive.
D) Only medically unexplained physical symptoms qualify for diagnosis.

7. Illness Anxiety Disorder was previously classified under which diagnostic category in earlier versions of the DSM?

A) Conversion Disorder
B) Somatization Disorder
C) Hypochondriasis
D) Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Click to see Answers

1. B) A persistent preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness despite minimal or no somatic symptoms.

2. C) 6 months

3. B) IAD focuses on the fear of *having* an illness, while SSD focuses on the distress from *actual physical symptoms*.

4. B) Repeatedly checking their body for signs of illness and seeking frequent reassurance.

5. C) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

6. C) Somatic symptoms, if present, are typically mild and non-distressing, or the individual's concern is clearly excessive.

7. C) Hypochondriasis

Illness Anxiety Disorder Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

1 Answers

📚 Quick Study Guide: Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD)

📝 Practice Quiz: Illness Anxiety Disorder

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