Hypochondriasis Diagnosis
(Also Known As: Hypocondriasis Diagnosis, Hypochondriac Diagnosis, Hypocondriac Diagnosis, Somatoform Diagnosis, Obsessive Compulsive Diagnosis, Malingering Diagnosis, Hypochondriasis Dsm Diagnosis)
(Reviewed by: Paul Peterson, Licensed Therapist)
How is Hypochondriasis Diagnosed?
Hypochondriasis is diagnosed when a healthy individual with minor symptoms is busy with the importance of the symptoms and does not react to the reassurance of the doctor after conducting medical evaluation 5
Likewise, the diagnosis of hypochondriasis can be confirmed if the condition continues for a minimum of six months after a medical evaluation and a reassurance from the doctor. Hypochondriasis is also diagnosed if the prevailing symptoms cannot be attributed to depression or other mental health illnesses.
According to DSM-IV-TR, in order for an individual to be diagnosed with hypochondriasis, all the following criteria should be present:
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The person must be preoccupied with the belief and worry of having a serious illness. The preoccupation must be based on exaggeration of physical symptoms or sensations.
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Proper medical evaluation and reassurance that there is no existing disorder will not rule out the preoccupation.
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The fear of illness must not be of delusional nature. Such kinds of thoughts are bizarre in nature. It should not be restricted to a concern about looks; excessive concerns that delve on defects in the way they look would be diagnosed as body dysmorphic disorder.
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The preoccupation must have existed for a minimum of six months
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The individual’s preoccupation with the illness must not just be a part of another disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or another somatoform illness.
Could You Have Hypochondriasis?
Hypochondriasis Topics
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