Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Illness Anxiety Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK554399/

  Illness anxiety disorder (previously called hypochondriasis) is a psychiatric disorder defined by excessive worry about having or developing a serious undiagnosed medical condition. […] The exact etiology of illness anxiety disorder remains largely unknown. However, multiple risk factors have been implicated in the development of this disorder. […] People with IAD may be uncomfortable experiencing normal body sensations, and they may label the subtle bodily changes as pathological. […] If a person is raised in a family where health anxieties are frequently discussed or if parents were disproportionately concerned about health-related issues, IAD may develop. […] A person might be at increased risk of developing IAD if they experienced serious illness in their childhood or their parent(s) or siblings suffered from a serious medical condition. […] People with underlying anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder) are also at an increased risk of developing IAD. […] If a person spends an exorbitant amount of time reviewing health-related materials on the internet, he or she may be at an increased risk of developing IAD.

• #2 Illness anxiety disorder // Middlesex Health

  https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder

  The exact cause of illness anxiety disorder isn’t clear, but these factors may play a role: […] You may have a difficult time tolerating uncertainty over uncomfortable or unusual body sensations. This could lead you to misinterpret that all body sensations are serious, so you search for evidence to confirm that you have a serious disease. […] You may be more likely to have health anxiety if you had parents who worried too much about their own health or your health. […] You may have had experience with serious illness in childhood, so physical sensations may be frightening to you.

• #3 Illness anxiety disorder: definition, causes, symptoms, and treatments – The Diamond Rehab Thailand

  https://diamondrehabthailand.com/what-is-illness-anxiety-disorder/

  Illness anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterized by an excessive preoccupation and fear of having a serious illness despite minimal or no symptoms. […] The causes of illness anxiety disorder are multifaceted, including childhood trauma, serious childhood illness, underlying psychiatric disorders, health anxieties in the family, and reviewing health-related materials. […] The potential causes of illness anxiety disorder are listed below. Childhood trauma, serious childhood illness, underlying psychiatric disorders, health anxieties in the family, reviewing health-related materials. […] The experience of childhood trauma increases the likelihood of developing depressive and anxiety disorders like illness anxiety disorder, as individuals exposed to such early adverse experiences may carry persistent anxiety and hypervigilance towards health matters, which carry significant mental health consequences later in life.

• #4 Azthena logo with the word Azthena

  https://www.news-medical.net/health/Health-Anxiety-Disorder-Causes.aspx

  Health anxiety disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis or hypochondria, is a condition wherein a person believes that he or she is seriously ill, with only a few or no symptoms. […] Health anxiety disorder or illness anxiety disorder is a condition that falls under the obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) spectrum of disorders. People who have this condition may have a preoccupation with the idea of being physically ill. […] There are many theories that suggest the cause of health anxiety. […] The cognitive theory involves the catastrophic misinterpretations of sensations and symptoms. This means that the patient may misinterpret various sensations he or she feels. […] Some individuals with a diagnosed disease may overestimate the seriousness of the condition. They may feel that there is an imminent threat to ones health.

• #5 Illness Anxiety Disorder and Somatic Symptom Disorder

  https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/mas/news/illness-anxiety-disorder-and-somatic-symptom-disorder-2121621

  Illness anxiety disorder can affect anyone of any age but tends to develop between the ages of 35-64. Exact causes of illness anxiety disorder are unknown, but risk factors of illness anxiety disorder include: […] A biological or genetic predisposition to an anxiety disorder […] A personal history of other mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) […] Past trauma, such as being a victim of physical or emotional abuse […] History of a serious childhood illness […] Having family members, particularly parents, who worry significantly about their health […] People may also be at high risk of illness anxiety disorder if they learned in childhood that physical illness was a primary way of getting attention from caregivers.

• #6 Anxiety Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, Types and Treatment – SavantCare

  https://www.savantcare.com/anxiety/

  Like other mental disorders, anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of several risk factors, including changes in the brain, genetics, and environmental stress. […] Researchers have discovered that people with anxiety disorders often have chemical imbalances in the brain that involve the way nerve cells communicate with each other. […] Research has also shown that people with anxiety disorders may have problems in the brain circuits that regulate fear. […] Anxiety disorders often run in families and can be inherited. […] Finally, life stress (especially at an early age) can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder. […] Research suggests that anxiety is hereditary. […] Several studies conducted throughout the years have shown that certain chromosomal characteristics are linked to phobias and panic disorder; the RBFOX1 gene may make someone more likely to develop a generalized anxiety disorder; and social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are all linked to specific genes.

• #7 Anxiety Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9536-anxiety-disorders

  What causes anxiety disorders? […] Like other types of mental health conditions, researchers dont know exactly what causes anxiety disorders. But they think a combination of factors plays a role: […] Chemical imbalances: Several neurotransmitters and hormones play a role in anxiety, including norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Imbalances in these chemicals can contribute to an anxiety disorder. […] Brain changes: A part of your brain called the amygdala plays an important role in managing fear and anxiety. Studies show that people with anxiety disorders show increased amygdala activity in response to anxiety cues. […] Genetics: Anxiety disorders tend to run in biological families. This suggests that genetics may play a role. You may be at an increased risk of developing one if you have a first-degree relative (biological parent or sibling) with an anxiety disorder. […] Environmental factors: Severe or long-lasting stress can change the balance of neurotransmitters that control your mood. Experiencing a lot of stress over a long period can contribute to an anxiety disorder. Experiencing a traumatic event can also trigger anxiety disorders.

• #8 Illness Anxiety Disorder: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/290955-overview

  Illness anxiety disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, is characterized by a preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious, undiagnosed medical illness. […] Neurochemical deficits associated with illness anxiety disorder appear similar to those of mood and anxiety disorders. […] Findings of neurochemical deficits in patients with illness anxiety disorder are only preliminary, but such deficits may explain why symptoms overlap, why the disorders are commonly comorbid, and why effective treatments for OC spectrum disorders are also effective for illness anxiety disorder (eg, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]). […] Illness anxiety disorder is usually episodic, with symptoms that last from months to years and equally long quiescent periods. […] Cognitive, social learning, and psychodynamic theories imply that patients have significant psychosocial disturbances in terms of relationships, vocations, and other endeavors.

• #9 Anxiety Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9536-anxiety-disorders

  What causes anxiety disorders? […] Like other types of mental health conditions, researchers dont know exactly what causes anxiety disorders. But they think a combination of factors plays a role: […] Chemical imbalances: Several neurotransmitters and hormones play a role in anxiety, including norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Imbalances in these chemicals can contribute to an anxiety disorder. […] Brain changes: A part of your brain called the amygdala plays an important role in managing fear and anxiety. Studies show that people with anxiety disorders show increased amygdala activity in response to anxiety cues. […] Genetics: Anxiety disorders tend to run in biological families. This suggests that genetics may play a role. You may be at an increased risk of developing one if you have a first-degree relative (biological parent or sibling) with an anxiety disorder. […] Environmental factors: Severe or long-lasting stress can change the balance of neurotransmitters that control your mood. Experiencing a lot of stress over a long period can contribute to an anxiety disorder. Experiencing a traumatic event can also trigger anxiety disorders.

• #10 Hypochondria: What is illness anxiety disorder?

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9983

  Someone who lives in fear of having a serious illness, despite medical tests never finding anything wrong, may have somatic symptom disorder, also known as illness anxiety disorder. […] The exact causes are not known, but certain factors are probably involved: […] People who have a close relative with hypochondria are more likely to develop it themselves. […] People who have had bad health experiences in the past may be more prone to develop a disproportionate fear of growing ill again. […] Other psychiatric disorders have been linked to somatic symptom disorder. […] It has been suggested that people with hypochondria may have a low threshold for pain, and that they may notice internal sensations earlier than other people do.

• #11 Hypochondriasis, Illness Anxiety Disorder | 5-Minute Clinical Consult

  https://www.unboundmedicine.com/5minute/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816015/0.4/Hypochondriasis__Illness_Anxiety_Disorder

  Biologic: Some evidence suggests that patients with hypochondriasis may have a lower threshold and a lower discomfort tolerance. Recent studies suggest that hypochondriacal patients have smaller pituitary volumes. […] Childhood events: The experience of numerous or serious actual medical illnesses during childhood may predispose to hypochondriasis at a later age. […] Life events: Experience of life-threatening medical diseases may predispose some to become overly sensitive to physical symptoms and overly worried about the recurrence of an acute relapse of chronic illness. These illnesses may be experienced by the patient or by a close family member or friend. […] Psychodynamics: Some view hypochondriasis as the patients psychodynamic manifestation of coping with intrapsychic subconscious emotions of guilt, shame, low self-esteem, and a narcissistic overindulgence with self; others, as a manifestation of an individuals need for attention by overly identifying with the sick role, which offers an acceptable way of alleviating anxiety by seeking valid reassurance from a medical authority.

• #12 Hypochondriasis, Illness Anxiety Disorder | 5-Minute Clinical Consult

  https://www.unboundmedicine.com/5minute/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816015/0.4/Hypochondriasis__Illness_Anxiety_Disorder

  Biologic: Some evidence suggests that patients with hypochondriasis may have a lower threshold and a lower discomfort tolerance. Recent studies suggest that hypochondriacal patients have smaller pituitary volumes. […] Childhood events: The experience of numerous or serious actual medical illnesses during childhood may predispose to hypochondriasis at a later age. […] Life events: Experience of life-threatening medical diseases may predispose some to become overly sensitive to physical symptoms and overly worried about the recurrence of an acute relapse of chronic illness. These illnesses may be experienced by the patient or by a close family member or friend. […] Psychodynamics: Some view hypochondriasis as the patients psychodynamic manifestation of coping with intrapsychic subconscious emotions of guilt, shame, low self-esteem, and a narcissistic overindulgence with self; others, as a manifestation of an individuals need for attention by overly identifying with the sick role, which offers an acceptable way of alleviating anxiety by seeking valid reassurance from a medical authority.

• #13 Illness Anxiety Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK554399/

  Illness anxiety disorder (previously called hypochondriasis) is a psychiatric disorder defined by excessive worry about having or developing a serious undiagnosed medical condition. […] The exact etiology of illness anxiety disorder remains largely unknown. However, multiple risk factors have been implicated in the development of this disorder. […] People with IAD may be uncomfortable experiencing normal body sensations, and they may label the subtle bodily changes as pathological. […] If a person is raised in a family where health anxieties are frequently discussed or if parents were disproportionately concerned about health-related issues, IAD may develop. […] A person might be at increased risk of developing IAD if they experienced serious illness in their childhood or their parent(s) or siblings suffered from a serious medical condition. […] People with underlying anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder) are also at an increased risk of developing IAD. […] If a person spends an exorbitant amount of time reviewing health-related materials on the internet, he or she may be at an increased risk of developing IAD.

• #14 Illness anxiety disorder // Middlesex Health

  https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder

  The exact cause of illness anxiety disorder isn’t clear, but these factors may play a role: […] You may have a difficult time tolerating uncertainty over uncomfortable or unusual body sensations. This could lead you to misinterpret that all body sensations are serious, so you search for evidence to confirm that you have a serious disease. […] You may be more likely to have health anxiety if you had parents who worried too much about their own health or your health. […] You may have had experience with serious illness in childhood, so physical sensations may be frightening to you.

• #15 Illness Anxiety Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK554399/

  Illness anxiety disorder (previously called hypochondriasis) is a psychiatric disorder defined by excessive worry about having or developing a serious undiagnosed medical condition. […] The exact etiology of illness anxiety disorder remains largely unknown. However, multiple risk factors have been implicated in the development of this disorder. […] People with IAD may be uncomfortable experiencing normal body sensations, and they may label the subtle bodily changes as pathological. […] If a person is raised in a family where health anxieties are frequently discussed or if parents were disproportionately concerned about health-related issues, IAD may develop. […] A person might be at increased risk of developing IAD if they experienced serious illness in their childhood or their parent(s) or siblings suffered from a serious medical condition. […] People with underlying anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder) are also at an increased risk of developing IAD. […] If a person spends an exorbitant amount of time reviewing health-related materials on the internet, he or she may be at an increased risk of developing IAD.

• #16 Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondriasis): What is it?

  https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/hypochondria

  Illness anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that usually begins in early adulthood. […] The cause of illness anxiety disorder is not known, but research suggests that there are several contributing factors to the development of the condition, including: Family anxieties: Studies suggest that having grown up in a family that was preoccupied with cleanliness, health, and avoiding illness, who regularly discussed these concerns, increases the likelihood of developing the condition later in life. […] Childhood exposure to illness: Having had a serious illness in childhood or witnessing a parent or sibling with a serious illness has been found to increase the chance of illness anxiety disorder. […] Childhood abuse: It has been found that there is a greater prevalence of health anxiety amongst those who experienced any kind of abuse in childhood, with more severe abuse leading to more severe anxieties.

• #17 Illness anxiety disorder: definition, causes, symptoms, and treatments – The Diamond Rehab Thailand

  https://diamondrehabthailand.com/what-is-illness-anxiety-disorder/

  The experience of serious childhood illness could lead to the perception that physical sensations are alarming and provoke fear in individuals. […] As per The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders 2022 publication titled Signs You May Be A Hypochondriac, around two-thirds of hypochondriacs or individuals with illness anxiety disorder experience a concurrent psychiatric condition, such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or major depression. […] When individuals are consistently exposed to heightened worries or preoccupations about health issues within their family, it can subconsciously contribute to the development of illness anxiety disorder. […] Continuously seeking out health information can lead to heightened anxiety, overinterpretation of minor bodily sensations, and a persistent belief in having a severe medical condition. […] Exposure to materials related to illness can lead to heightened hypochondriacal concerns or anxiety among individuals who are already anxious about their health.

• #18 Illness anxiety disorder Information | Mount Sinai – New York

  https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder

  Illness anxiety disorder (IAD) is a preoccupation that physical symptoms are signs of a serious illness, even when there is no medical evidence to support the presence of an illness. […] People with IAD are overly focused on, and always thinking about, their physical health. They have an unrealistic fear of having or developing a serious disease. This disorder occurs equally in men and women. […] The way people with IAD think about their physical symptoms can make them more likely to have this condition. As they focus on and worry about physical sensations, a cycle of symptoms and worry begins, which can be hard to stop. […] People who have a history of physical or sexual abuse are more likely to have IAD. But this doesn’t mean that everyone with IAD has a history of abuse.

• #19 Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondriasis): What is it?

  https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/hypochondria

  Illness anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that usually begins in early adulthood. […] The cause of illness anxiety disorder is not known, but research suggests that there are several contributing factors to the development of the condition, including: Family anxieties: Studies suggest that having grown up in a family that was preoccupied with cleanliness, health, and avoiding illness, who regularly discussed these concerns, increases the likelihood of developing the condition later in life. […] Childhood exposure to illness: Having had a serious illness in childhood or witnessing a parent or sibling with a serious illness has been found to increase the chance of illness anxiety disorder. […] Childhood abuse: It has been found that there is a greater prevalence of health anxiety amongst those who experienced any kind of abuse in childhood, with more severe abuse leading to more severe anxieties.

• #20 Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondriasis): What is it?

  https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/hypochondria

  Other anxiety disorders: Research suggests that people with other anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, are at an increased risk of developing illness anxiety disorder. […] Regular research: People who regularly look up medical conditions online and spend a lot of time reading about specific conditions may be more likely to develop IAD. […] Covid-19: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been found to be an increase in anxiety disorders across the world, including health anxiety, suggesting that consistent news reports of the disease and the requirements in place to prevent contracting the disease may have increased health concerns.

• #21 Illness Anxiety Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK554399/

  Illness anxiety disorder (previously called hypochondriasis) is a psychiatric disorder defined by excessive worry about having or developing a serious undiagnosed medical condition. […] The exact etiology of illness anxiety disorder remains largely unknown. However, multiple risk factors have been implicated in the development of this disorder. […] People with IAD may be uncomfortable experiencing normal body sensations, and they may label the subtle bodily changes as pathological. […] If a person is raised in a family where health anxieties are frequently discussed or if parents were disproportionately concerned about health-related issues, IAD may develop. […] A person might be at increased risk of developing IAD if they experienced serious illness in their childhood or their parent(s) or siblings suffered from a serious medical condition. […] People with underlying anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder) are also at an increased risk of developing IAD. […] If a person spends an exorbitant amount of time reviewing health-related materials on the internet, he or she may be at an increased risk of developing IAD.

• #22 Illness anxiety disorder // Middlesex Health

  https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder

  The exact cause of illness anxiety disorder isn’t clear, but these factors may play a role: […] You may have a difficult time tolerating uncertainty over uncomfortable or unusual body sensations. This could lead you to misinterpret that all body sensations are serious, so you search for evidence to confirm that you have a serious disease. […] You may be more likely to have health anxiety if you had parents who worried too much about their own health or your health. […] You may have had experience with serious illness in childhood, so physical sensations may be frightening to you.

• #23 Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondriasis): What is it?

  https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/hypochondria

  Illness anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that usually begins in early adulthood. […] The cause of illness anxiety disorder is not known, but research suggests that there are several contributing factors to the development of the condition, including: Family anxieties: Studies suggest that having grown up in a family that was preoccupied with cleanliness, health, and avoiding illness, who regularly discussed these concerns, increases the likelihood of developing the condition later in life. […] Childhood exposure to illness: Having had a serious illness in childhood or witnessing a parent or sibling with a serious illness has been found to increase the chance of illness anxiety disorder. […] Childhood abuse: It has been found that there is a greater prevalence of health anxiety amongst those who experienced any kind of abuse in childhood, with more severe abuse leading to more severe anxieties.

• #24 Illness Anxiety Disorder | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder

  The cause of illness anxiety disorder is not known, but major life stress might precede the development of symptoms in some cases, and a history of childhood abuse or serious childhood illness may be a risk factor for developing symptoms later in life. […] While there does not appear to be a genetic cause of the disorder, research suggests that it is somewhat more common in people with a parent who has the condition, because they may model illness anxiety, or because their tendency toward overprotection may influence their childrens own beliefs. […] Also, as with general anxiety, illness anxiety is linked to the personality trait of neuroticism, which has been shown to predict an individuals susceptibility to anxiety and depression, as well as the development of emotional reactivity that makes people especially attuned to threat.

• #25 Illness Anxiety Disorder and Somatic Symptom Disorder

  https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/mas/news/illness-anxiety-disorder-and-somatic-symptom-disorder-2121621

  Illness anxiety disorder can affect anyone of any age but tends to develop between the ages of 35-64. Exact causes of illness anxiety disorder are unknown, but risk factors of illness anxiety disorder include: […] A biological or genetic predisposition to an anxiety disorder […] A personal history of other mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) […] Past trauma, such as being a victim of physical or emotional abuse […] History of a serious childhood illness […] Having family members, particularly parents, who worry significantly about their health […] People may also be at high risk of illness anxiety disorder if they learned in childhood that physical illness was a primary way of getting attention from caregivers.

• #26 Illness Anxiety Disorder Clinical Presentation: History, Physical, Causes

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/290955-clinical

  Developmental and other predisposing factors consistently indicate the importance of parental attitudes toward disease, previous experience with physical disease, and culturally acquired attitudes relevant to the etiology of the disorder. […] There are some findings that risk factors for illness anxiety disorder include a lower educational level, lower income, and a history of childhood illness or abuse. […] A cognitive model of illness anxiety disorder suggests that patients misinterpret bodily symptoms by augmenting and amplifying their somatic sensations. […] The social learning theory frames illness anxiety disorder as a request for admission to the sick role made by a person facing seemingly insurmountable and insolvable problems. […] The psychodynamic theory implies that aggressive and hostile wishes toward others are transferred via repression and displacement into physical complaints. […] Neurochemical deficits with illness anxiety disorder and some other somatoform disorders appear similar to those of depressive and anxiety disorders.

• #27 Illness Anxiety Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK554399/

  Illness anxiety disorder (previously called hypochondriasis) is a psychiatric disorder defined by excessive worry about having or developing a serious undiagnosed medical condition. […] The exact etiology of illness anxiety disorder remains largely unknown. However, multiple risk factors have been implicated in the development of this disorder. […] People with IAD may be uncomfortable experiencing normal body sensations, and they may label the subtle bodily changes as pathological. […] If a person is raised in a family where health anxieties are frequently discussed or if parents were disproportionately concerned about health-related issues, IAD may develop. […] A person might be at increased risk of developing IAD if they experienced serious illness in their childhood or their parent(s) or siblings suffered from a serious medical condition. […] People with underlying anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder) are also at an increased risk of developing IAD. […] If a person spends an exorbitant amount of time reviewing health-related materials on the internet, he or she may be at an increased risk of developing IAD.

• #28 Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondriasis): What is it?

  https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/hypochondria

  Other anxiety disorders: Research suggests that people with other anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, are at an increased risk of developing illness anxiety disorder. […] Regular research: People who regularly look up medical conditions online and spend a lot of time reading about specific conditions may be more likely to develop IAD. […] Covid-19: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been found to be an increase in anxiety disorders across the world, including health anxiety, suggesting that consistent news reports of the disease and the requirements in place to prevent contracting the disease may have increased health concerns.

• #29 Illness anxiety disorder: definition, causes, symptoms, and treatments – The Diamond Rehab Thailand

  https://diamondrehabthailand.com/what-is-illness-anxiety-disorder/

  The experience of serious childhood illness could lead to the perception that physical sensations are alarming and provoke fear in individuals. […] As per The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders 2022 publication titled Signs You May Be A Hypochondriac, around two-thirds of hypochondriacs or individuals with illness anxiety disorder experience a concurrent psychiatric condition, such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or major depression. […] When individuals are consistently exposed to heightened worries or preoccupations about health issues within their family, it can subconsciously contribute to the development of illness anxiety disorder. […] Continuously seeking out health information can lead to heightened anxiety, overinterpretation of minor bodily sensations, and a persistent belief in having a severe medical condition. […] Exposure to materials related to illness can lead to heightened hypochondriacal concerns or anxiety among individuals who are already anxious about their health.

• #30 Illness Anxiety Disorder | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder

  The cause of illness anxiety disorder is not known, but major life stress might precede the development of symptoms in some cases, and a history of childhood abuse or serious childhood illness may be a risk factor for developing symptoms later in life. […] While there does not appear to be a genetic cause of the disorder, research suggests that it is somewhat more common in people with a parent who has the condition, because they may model illness anxiety, or because their tendency toward overprotection may influence their childrens own beliefs. […] Also, as with general anxiety, illness anxiety is linked to the personality trait of neuroticism, which has been shown to predict an individuals susceptibility to anxiety and depression, as well as the development of emotional reactivity that makes people especially attuned to threat.

• #31 Illness Anxiety Disorder Clinical Presentation: History, Physical, Causes

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/290955-clinical

  Developmental and other predisposing factors consistently indicate the importance of parental attitudes toward disease, previous experience with physical disease, and culturally acquired attitudes relevant to the etiology of the disorder. […] There are some findings that risk factors for illness anxiety disorder include a lower educational level, lower income, and a history of childhood illness or abuse. […] A cognitive model of illness anxiety disorder suggests that patients misinterpret bodily symptoms by augmenting and amplifying their somatic sensations. […] The social learning theory frames illness anxiety disorder as a request for admission to the sick role made by a person facing seemingly insurmountable and insolvable problems. […] The psychodynamic theory implies that aggressive and hostile wishes toward others are transferred via repression and displacement into physical complaints. […] Neurochemical deficits with illness anxiety disorder and some other somatoform disorders appear similar to those of depressive and anxiety disorders.

• #32 Illness anxiety disorder // Middlesex Health

  https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder

  The exact cause of illness anxiety disorder isn’t clear, but these factors may play a role: […] You may have a difficult time tolerating uncertainty over uncomfortable or unusual body sensations. This could lead you to misinterpret that all body sensations are serious, so you search for evidence to confirm that you have a serious disease. […] You may be more likely to have health anxiety if you had parents who worried too much about their own health or your health. […] You may have had experience with serious illness in childhood, so physical sensations may be frightening to you.

• #33 Azthena logo with the word Azthena

  https://www.news-medical.net/health/Health-Anxiety-Disorder-Causes.aspx

  Health anxiety disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis or hypochondria, is a condition wherein a person believes that he or she is seriously ill, with only a few or no symptoms. […] Health anxiety disorder or illness anxiety disorder is a condition that falls under the obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) spectrum of disorders. People who have this condition may have a preoccupation with the idea of being physically ill. […] There are many theories that suggest the cause of health anxiety. […] The cognitive theory involves the catastrophic misinterpretations of sensations and symptoms. This means that the patient may misinterpret various sensations he or she feels. […] Some individuals with a diagnosed disease may overestimate the seriousness of the condition. They may feel that there is an imminent threat to ones health.

• #34 Azthena logo with the word Azthena

  https://www.news-medical.net/health/Health-Anxiety-Disorder-Causes.aspx

  These misinterpretations may stem from certain bodily sensations. For instance, a patient may complain of a pounding heart. He or she may misinterpret this sensation as an impending heart attack. […] The biological theory refers to the physiological and adaptive responses of the body to fear. Some people may develop anxiety disorders, such as hypochondriasis, as a result of their genetic predisposition. They are vulnerable to experiencing extreme fear or worry. […] The psychological factors involve the persons beliefs, thoughts, and perceptions. These may be linked to their environment, themselves, and their experiences. […] Theoretically, people develop an anxiety disorder when they have both psychological and biological susceptibilities. But, in some cases, people may develop health disorder from the social environment. These include social interactions, life experiences, and relationships with others.

• #35 Hypochondriasis, Illness Anxiety Disorder | 5-Minute Clinical Consult

  https://www.unboundmedicine.com/5minute/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816015/0.4/Hypochondriasis__Illness_Anxiety_Disorder

  Anxiety/depression: Some patients with an underlying anxiety or depressive disorder experience their psychiatric illness in the form of physical symptoms, which in some patients may become a chronic behavior, turning into a full-blown hypochondriasis even after their underlying anxiety or depression has been alleviated. […] Sociocultural: Some cultures view mental and emotional symptoms in a pejorative way, blaming the patient for the illness when the symptoms are psychological and feeling more empathy when the symptoms are physical. In such cultures, patients with physical symptoms get more attention, empathy, and respect and are not blamed for causing their illness. […] Cognitive: Patients with hypochondriasis overestimate their risk of developing a serious illness. They also tend to minimize their past experiences and behaviors of good health. […] Genetics: Some studies show an increased prevalence of hypochondriasis in families, especially among identical twins and first-degree relatives.

• #36 Illness Anxiety Disorder | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder

  The cause of illness anxiety disorder is not known, but major life stress might precede the development of symptoms in some cases, and a history of childhood abuse or serious childhood illness may be a risk factor for developing symptoms later in life. […] While there does not appear to be a genetic cause of the disorder, research suggests that it is somewhat more common in people with a parent who has the condition, because they may model illness anxiety, or because their tendency toward overprotection may influence their childrens own beliefs. […] Also, as with general anxiety, illness anxiety is linked to the personality trait of neuroticism, which has been shown to predict an individuals susceptibility to anxiety and depression, as well as the development of emotional reactivity that makes people especially attuned to threat.

• #37 Causes of Hypochondria or Illness Anxiety Disorder | PortalCLÍNIC

  https://www.clinicbarcelona.org/en/assistance/diseases/illness-anxiety-disorder/causes-and-risk-factors

  The causes of illness anxiety disorder are unknown, although stress may be a trigger for its onset. […] Some factors probably increase the risk of developing it, such as someone you know having an illness or having had one, or an increase in certain diseases globally, such as the COVID pandemic.

• #38 Hypochondriasis – What You Need to Know

  https://www.drugs.com/cg/hypochondriasis.html

  Hypochondriasis is a condition that makes you fear you have a serious illness. One type of hypochondriasis is called illness anxiety disorder. The fear that you have an illness continues even after healthcare providers tell you that you do not. […] No one knows exactly what causes hypochondriasis. The following may increase your risk: […] You or a loved one had a serious illness. […] You had overly protective parents who focused too much on your minor health problems. […] You have a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression. […] You have had a stressful life event, such as the death of a loved one.

• #39 Hypochondriasis – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypochondriasis

  Anecdotal evidence suggests that some individuals become hypochondriac after experiencing major medical diagnosis or death of a family member or friend. Similarly, when approaching the age of a parent’s premature death from disease, many otherwise healthy, happy individuals fall prey to hypochondria. These individuals believe they have the same disease that caused their parent’s death, sometimes causing panic attacks with corresponding symptoms.

• #40 Illness Anxiety Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK554399/

  Illness anxiety disorder (previously called hypochondriasis) is a psychiatric disorder defined by excessive worry about having or developing a serious undiagnosed medical condition. […] The exact etiology of illness anxiety disorder remains largely unknown. However, multiple risk factors have been implicated in the development of this disorder. […] People with IAD may be uncomfortable experiencing normal body sensations, and they may label the subtle bodily changes as pathological. […] If a person is raised in a family where health anxieties are frequently discussed or if parents were disproportionately concerned about health-related issues, IAD may develop. […] A person might be at increased risk of developing IAD if they experienced serious illness in their childhood or their parent(s) or siblings suffered from a serious medical condition. […] People with underlying anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder) are also at an increased risk of developing IAD. […] If a person spends an exorbitant amount of time reviewing health-related materials on the internet, he or she may be at an increased risk of developing IAD.

• #41 What to Know About Hypochondriasis or Illness Anxiety Disorder

  https://www.verywellmind.com/hypochondriasis-2671689

  Illness anxiety disorder (IAD), formerly known as hypochondriasis, is a condition marked by an excessive fear of having a serious medical condition despite having few or no symptoms. […] The exact causes of illness anxiety disorder are not known, but there are a number of contributing factors that may play a role in the development of this condition. Some of these factors may include: a history of illness during childhood, having another mental health condition such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or major depressive disorder, a history of trauma, abuse, or neglect during childhood, the presence of a serious symptom that poses a health threat, stress, feeling uncomfortable when experiencing normal body sensations. […] Some research also suggests that people may have a higher risk of developing IAD if they spend a great deal of time on the internet reviewing the symptoms of different health conditions.

• #42 Illness anxiety disorder: definition, causes, symptoms, and treatments – The Diamond Rehab Thailand

  https://diamondrehabthailand.com/what-is-illness-anxiety-disorder/

  The experience of serious childhood illness could lead to the perception that physical sensations are alarming and provoke fear in individuals. […] As per The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders 2022 publication titled Signs You May Be A Hypochondriac, around two-thirds of hypochondriacs or individuals with illness anxiety disorder experience a concurrent psychiatric condition, such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or major depression. […] When individuals are consistently exposed to heightened worries or preoccupations about health issues within their family, it can subconsciously contribute to the development of illness anxiety disorder. […] Continuously seeking out health information can lead to heightened anxiety, overinterpretation of minor bodily sensations, and a persistent belief in having a severe medical condition. […] Exposure to materials related to illness can lead to heightened hypochondriacal concerns or anxiety among individuals who are already anxious about their health.

• #43 What are the Causes of Hypochondria

  https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/causes-of-hypochondria

  Hypochondria is a disorder marked by the persistent and misguided belief that you have serious health problems when no such problems are present. […] Hypochondria can be serious for a lot of people. But what causes it isn’t entirely known. […] This condition is caused by an oversensitivity to the way a person feels, combined with serious panic attacks that mimic terrible diseases all leading to the person feeling as though something must be wrong with their health. […] Other potential causes for hypochondria are listed below. […] A History of Physical and/or Sexual Abuse Observing or experiencing physical and sexual abuse, particularly as a child, can result in a heightened sense of physical vulnerability. […] Google Syndrome Search engines may contribute to hypochondria. […] Seriously ill family members or friends can create an environment, for a child especially, where love and attention are directly linked to the illness.

• #44 Ken Goodman LCSW | What is Somatic Symptom Disorder and Illness Anxiety Disorder – Ken Goodman LCSW

  https://www.kengoodmantherapy.com/what-is-hypochondriasis-and-illness-anxiety-disorder/

  Preoccupation with fears of having a serious disease, being obsessed with ones body, constantly looking for signs of something wrong with ones health and misinterpreting those signs, are the essential features of Illness Anxiety Disorder. […] The exact cause of this disorder is not known. Like all anxiety disorders there is a strong genetic component. Other causes include a history of physical or sexual abuse, a close family member or friend with a serious illness, a death of a family member or friend, or previous serious illnesses. The internet and the media often contribute to these disorders. There are now more than ever, articles and TV shows about serious illnesses that are portrayed as being random, widespread, and easy to acquire.

• #45 Azthena logo with the word Azthena

  https://www.news-medical.net/health/Health-Anxiety-Disorder-Causes.aspx

  These misinterpretations may stem from certain bodily sensations. For instance, a patient may complain of a pounding heart. He or she may misinterpret this sensation as an impending heart attack. […] The biological theory refers to the physiological and adaptive responses of the body to fear. Some people may develop anxiety disorders, such as hypochondriasis, as a result of their genetic predisposition. They are vulnerable to experiencing extreme fear or worry. […] The psychological factors involve the persons beliefs, thoughts, and perceptions. These may be linked to their environment, themselves, and their experiences. […] Theoretically, people develop an anxiety disorder when they have both psychological and biological susceptibilities. But, in some cases, people may develop health disorder from the social environment. These include social interactions, life experiences, and relationships with others.

• #46 4.6: Anxiety Disorders Etiology – Social Sci LibreTexts

  https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Psychology/Psychological_Disorders/Essentials_of_Abnormal_Psychology_(Bridley_and_Daffin)/04%3A_Anxiety_Disorders/4.06%3A_Anxiety_Disorders_Etiology

  While genetics have been known to contribute to the presentation of anxiety symptoms, the interaction between genetics and stressful environmental influences accounts for more of anxiety disorders than genetics alone (Bienvenu, Davydow, Kendler, 2011). […] The quest to identify specific genes that may predispose individuals to develop anxiety disorders has lead researchers to the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR). Mutation of the 5-HTTLPR gene has been found to be related to a reduction in serotonin activity and an increase in anxiety-related personality traits (Munafo, Brown, Hairiri, 2008). […] Researchers have identified several brain structures and pathways that are likely responsible for anxiety responses. Among those structures is the amygdala, the area of the brain that is responsible for storing memories related to emotional events (Gorman, Kent, Sullivan, Coplan, 2000).

• #47 What Causes Anxiety? Risk Factors and More

  https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-causes

  The exact causes of anxiety disorders are unknown. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Brain chemistry is also being studied as a possible cause. The areas of your brain that control your fear response may be involved. […] Much research is being done into what causes anxiety disorders. Experts believe it involves a combination of factors, including genetic factors and social stress. […] Studies of twins suggest that genetics may play a role. For example, a study reported in PloS ONE suggests the RBFOX1 gene may be involved in the development of anxiety-related conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder. The authors believe that both genetic and nongenetic factors play a part. […] Certain parts of the brain, such as the amygdala and hippocampus, are also being studied. Your amygdala is a small structure deep inside your brain that processes threats. It alerts the rest of your brain when there are signs of danger. It can trigger a fear and anxiety response. It seems to play a part in anxiety disorders that involve fear of specific things, such as cats, bees, or drowning.

• #48 Illness Anxiety Disorder Clinical Presentation: History, Physical, Causes

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/290955-clinical

  Developmental and other predisposing factors consistently indicate the importance of parental attitudes toward disease, previous experience with physical disease, and culturally acquired attitudes relevant to the etiology of the disorder. […] There are some findings that risk factors for illness anxiety disorder include a lower educational level, lower income, and a history of childhood illness or abuse. […] A cognitive model of illness anxiety disorder suggests that patients misinterpret bodily symptoms by augmenting and amplifying their somatic sensations. […] The social learning theory frames illness anxiety disorder as a request for admission to the sick role made by a person facing seemingly insurmountable and insolvable problems. […] The psychodynamic theory implies that aggressive and hostile wishes toward others are transferred via repression and displacement into physical complaints. […] Neurochemical deficits with illness anxiety disorder and some other somatoform disorders appear similar to those of depressive and anxiety disorders.

• #49 Hypochondriasis, Illness Anxiety Disorder | 5-Minute Clinical Consult

  https://www.unboundmedicine.com/5minute/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816015/0.4/Hypochondriasis__Illness_Anxiety_Disorder

  Biologic: Some evidence suggests that patients with hypochondriasis may have a lower threshold and a lower discomfort tolerance. Recent studies suggest that hypochondriacal patients have smaller pituitary volumes. […] Childhood events: The experience of numerous or serious actual medical illnesses during childhood may predispose to hypochondriasis at a later age. […] Life events: Experience of life-threatening medical diseases may predispose some to become overly sensitive to physical symptoms and overly worried about the recurrence of an acute relapse of chronic illness. These illnesses may be experienced by the patient or by a close family member or friend. […] Psychodynamics: Some view hypochondriasis as the patients psychodynamic manifestation of coping with intrapsychic subconscious emotions of guilt, shame, low self-esteem, and a narcissistic overindulgence with self; others, as a manifestation of an individuals need for attention by overly identifying with the sick role, which offers an acceptable way of alleviating anxiety by seeking valid reassurance from a medical authority.

• #50 Illness Anxiety Disorder Clinical Presentation: History, Physical, Causes

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/290955-clinical

  Developmental and other predisposing factors consistently indicate the importance of parental attitudes toward disease, previous experience with physical disease, and culturally acquired attitudes relevant to the etiology of the disorder. […] There are some findings that risk factors for illness anxiety disorder include a lower educational level, lower income, and a history of childhood illness or abuse. […] A cognitive model of illness anxiety disorder suggests that patients misinterpret bodily symptoms by augmenting and amplifying their somatic sensations. […] The social learning theory frames illness anxiety disorder as a request for admission to the sick role made by a person facing seemingly insurmountable and insolvable problems. […] The psychodynamic theory implies that aggressive and hostile wishes toward others are transferred via repression and displacement into physical complaints. […] Neurochemical deficits with illness anxiety disorder and some other somatoform disorders appear similar to those of depressive and anxiety disorders.

• #51 Hypochondriasis, Illness Anxiety Disorder | 5-Minute Clinical Consult

  https://www.unboundmedicine.com/5minute/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/816015/0.4/Hypochondriasis__Illness_Anxiety_Disorder

  Anxiety/depression: Some patients with an underlying anxiety or depressive disorder experience their psychiatric illness in the form of physical symptoms, which in some patients may become a chronic behavior, turning into a full-blown hypochondriasis even after their underlying anxiety or depression has been alleviated. […] Sociocultural: Some cultures view mental and emotional symptoms in a pejorative way, blaming the patient for the illness when the symptoms are psychological and feeling more empathy when the symptoms are physical. In such cultures, patients with physical symptoms get more attention, empathy, and respect and are not blamed for causing their illness. […] Cognitive: Patients with hypochondriasis overestimate their risk of developing a serious illness. They also tend to minimize their past experiences and behaviors of good health. […] Genetics: Some studies show an increased prevalence of hypochondriasis in families, especially among identical twins and first-degree relatives.

• #52

  https://ezcareclinic.io/illness-anxiety-disorder-causes-symptoms-and-treatment/

  Usually, anxiety disorders such as depression and general anxiety can be indirect causes of Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD). […] Illness anxiety may be triggered by strong beliefs regarding the severity of symptoms. […] The social learning theory explains Illness Anxiety Disorder as a person’s striving to fit into a sick role that can shield him/her from complex responsibilities, challenges, and roles that would drain his/her energy. […] It is believed that some illnesses are the unconscious shields created by a person earlier in life to protect them from uncomfortable situations. […] Whenever planning treatment, it is necessary first to understand the origins of the disorder. […] It’s hard to know what precisely causes Illness Anxiety Disorder, but some factors play a considerable role, which we will discuss one by one.

• #53 Illness anxiety disorder // Middlesex Health

  https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder

  The exact cause of illness anxiety disorder isn’t clear, but these factors may play a role: […] You may have a difficult time tolerating uncertainty over uncomfortable or unusual body sensations. This could lead you to misinterpret that all body sensations are serious, so you search for evidence to confirm that you have a serious disease. […] You may be more likely to have health anxiety if you had parents who worried too much about their own health or your health. […] You may have had experience with serious illness in childhood, so physical sensations may be frightening to you.

• #54 What to Know About Hypochondriasis or Illness Anxiety Disorder

  https://www.verywellmind.com/hypochondriasis-2671689

  Illness anxiety disorder (IAD), formerly known as hypochondriasis, is a condition marked by an excessive fear of having a serious medical condition despite having few or no symptoms. […] The exact causes of illness anxiety disorder are not known, but there are a number of contributing factors that may play a role in the development of this condition. Some of these factors may include: a history of illness during childhood, having another mental health condition such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or major depressive disorder, a history of trauma, abuse, or neglect during childhood, the presence of a serious symptom that poses a health threat, stress, feeling uncomfortable when experiencing normal body sensations. […] Some research also suggests that people may have a higher risk of developing IAD if they spend a great deal of time on the internet reviewing the symptoms of different health conditions.

• #55 Illness Anxiety Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK554399/

  Illness anxiety disorder (previously called hypochondriasis) is a psychiatric disorder defined by excessive worry about having or developing a serious undiagnosed medical condition. […] The exact etiology of illness anxiety disorder remains largely unknown. However, multiple risk factors have been implicated in the development of this disorder. […] People with IAD may be uncomfortable experiencing normal body sensations, and they may label the subtle bodily changes as pathological. […] If a person is raised in a family where health anxieties are frequently discussed or if parents were disproportionately concerned about health-related issues, IAD may develop. […] A person might be at increased risk of developing IAD if they experienced serious illness in their childhood or their parent(s) or siblings suffered from a serious medical condition. […] People with underlying anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder) are also at an increased risk of developing IAD. […] If a person spends an exorbitant amount of time reviewing health-related materials on the internet, he or she may be at an increased risk of developing IAD.

• #56 Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondriasis): What is it?

  https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/hypochondria

  Illness anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that usually begins in early adulthood. […] The cause of illness anxiety disorder is not known, but research suggests that there are several contributing factors to the development of the condition, including: Family anxieties: Studies suggest that having grown up in a family that was preoccupied with cleanliness, health, and avoiding illness, who regularly discussed these concerns, increases the likelihood of developing the condition later in life. […] Childhood exposure to illness: Having had a serious illness in childhood or witnessing a parent or sibling with a serious illness has been found to increase the chance of illness anxiety disorder. […] Childhood abuse: It has been found that there is a greater prevalence of health anxiety amongst those who experienced any kind of abuse in childhood, with more severe abuse leading to more severe anxieties.

• #57 What are the Causes of Hypochondria

  https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/causes-of-hypochondria

  Hypochondria is a disorder marked by the persistent and misguided belief that you have serious health problems when no such problems are present. […] Hypochondria can be serious for a lot of people. But what causes it isn’t entirely known. […] This condition is caused by an oversensitivity to the way a person feels, combined with serious panic attacks that mimic terrible diseases all leading to the person feeling as though something must be wrong with their health. […] Other potential causes for hypochondria are listed below. […] A History of Physical and/or Sexual Abuse Observing or experiencing physical and sexual abuse, particularly as a child, can result in a heightened sense of physical vulnerability. […] Google Syndrome Search engines may contribute to hypochondria. […] Seriously ill family members or friends can create an environment, for a child especially, where love and attention are directly linked to the illness.

• #58 Illness anxiety disorder Information | Mount Sinai – New York

  https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder

  Illness anxiety disorder (IAD) is a preoccupation that physical symptoms are signs of a serious illness, even when there is no medical evidence to support the presence of an illness. […] People with IAD are overly focused on, and always thinking about, their physical health. They have an unrealistic fear of having or developing a serious disease. This disorder occurs equally in men and women. […] The way people with IAD think about their physical symptoms can make them more likely to have this condition. As they focus on and worry about physical sensations, a cycle of symptoms and worry begins, which can be hard to stop. […] People who have a history of physical or sexual abuse are more likely to have IAD. But this doesn’t mean that everyone with IAD has a history of abuse.

• #59 Illness anxiety disorder // Middlesex Health

  https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder

  The exact cause of illness anxiety disorder isn’t clear, but these factors may play a role: […] You may have a difficult time tolerating uncertainty over uncomfortable or unusual body sensations. This could lead you to misinterpret that all body sensations are serious, so you search for evidence to confirm that you have a serious disease. […] You may be more likely to have health anxiety if you had parents who worried too much about their own health or your health. […] You may have had experience with serious illness in childhood, so physical sensations may be frightening to you.

• #60 Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondriasis): What is it?

  https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/hypochondria

  Illness anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that usually begins in early adulthood. […] The cause of illness anxiety disorder is not known, but research suggests that there are several contributing factors to the development of the condition, including: Family anxieties: Studies suggest that having grown up in a family that was preoccupied with cleanliness, health, and avoiding illness, who regularly discussed these concerns, increases the likelihood of developing the condition later in life. […] Childhood exposure to illness: Having had a serious illness in childhood or witnessing a parent or sibling with a serious illness has been found to increase the chance of illness anxiety disorder. […] Childhood abuse: It has been found that there is a greater prevalence of health anxiety amongst those who experienced any kind of abuse in childhood, with more severe abuse leading to more severe anxieties.

• #61 Illness Anxiety Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK554399/

  Illness anxiety disorder (previously called hypochondriasis) is a psychiatric disorder defined by excessive worry about having or developing a serious undiagnosed medical condition. […] The exact etiology of illness anxiety disorder remains largely unknown. However, multiple risk factors have been implicated in the development of this disorder. […] People with IAD may be uncomfortable experiencing normal body sensations, and they may label the subtle bodily changes as pathological. […] If a person is raised in a family where health anxieties are frequently discussed or if parents were disproportionately concerned about health-related issues, IAD may develop. […] A person might be at increased risk of developing IAD if they experienced serious illness in their childhood or their parent(s) or siblings suffered from a serious medical condition. […] People with underlying anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder) are also at an increased risk of developing IAD. […] If a person spends an exorbitant amount of time reviewing health-related materials on the internet, he or she may be at an increased risk of developing IAD.

• #62 What to Know About Hypochondriasis or Illness Anxiety Disorder

  https://www.verywellmind.com/hypochondriasis-2671689

  Illness anxiety disorder (IAD), formerly known as hypochondriasis, is a condition marked by an excessive fear of having a serious medical condition despite having few or no symptoms. […] The exact causes of illness anxiety disorder are not known, but there are a number of contributing factors that may play a role in the development of this condition. Some of these factors may include: a history of illness during childhood, having another mental health condition such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or major depressive disorder, a history of trauma, abuse, or neglect during childhood, the presence of a serious symptom that poses a health threat, stress, feeling uncomfortable when experiencing normal body sensations. […] Some research also suggests that people may have a higher risk of developing IAD if they spend a great deal of time on the internet reviewing the symptoms of different health conditions.

• #63 Illness Anxiety Disorder | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder

  The cause of illness anxiety disorder is not known, but major life stress might precede the development of symptoms in some cases, and a history of childhood abuse or serious childhood illness may be a risk factor for developing symptoms later in life. […] While there does not appear to be a genetic cause of the disorder, research suggests that it is somewhat more common in people with a parent who has the condition, because they may model illness anxiety, or because their tendency toward overprotection may influence their childrens own beliefs. […] Also, as with general anxiety, illness anxiety is linked to the personality trait of neuroticism, which has been shown to predict an individuals susceptibility to anxiety and depression, as well as the development of emotional reactivity that makes people especially attuned to threat.

• #64 Illness Anxiety Disorder: Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors

  https://www.prepladder.com/neet-pg-study-material/psychiatry/illness-anxiety-disorder-causes-symptoms-risk-factors-diagnosis-treatment-prevention-and-complications

  Risk factors for anxiety disorders may include: […] A period of extreme stress in life […] Risk of a serious illness turning into a less serious one […] Past trauma you experienced as a child […] A parent suffering from a dreadful illness or a serious illness when they were children […] Personality traits, like a tendency to worry excessively and use the internet excessively for health-related purposes.

• #65 Illness anxiety disorder // Middlesex Health

  https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder

  The exact cause of illness anxiety disorder isn’t clear, but these factors may play a role: […] You may have a difficult time tolerating uncertainty over uncomfortable or unusual body sensations. This could lead you to misinterpret that all body sensations are serious, so you search for evidence to confirm that you have a serious disease. […] You may be more likely to have health anxiety if you had parents who worried too much about their own health or your health. […] You may have had experience with serious illness in childhood, so physical sensations may be frightening to you.

• #66 Illness Anxiety Disorder: Know The Symptoms And Causes Of Hypochondriasis | Times Now

  https://www.timesnownews.com/health/mental-health/illness-anxiety-disorder-know-the-symptoms-and-causes-of-hypochondriasis-article-114695951

  Illness anxiety disorder is a condition wherein you might either have no physical symptoms or you may believe that normal body sensations or minor symptoms are signs of severe illness. […] While the exact cause of illness anxiety disorder is not known, here, take a look at some of the factors that might lead to illness anxiety disorder. […] You may have a difficult time tolerating uncertainty over uncomfortable or unusual body sensations. This could lead you to misinterpret that all body sensations are serious, so you search for evidence to confirm that you have a serious disease. […] You may be more likely to have health anxiety if you have parents who worry too much about their own health or your health. […] You may have had experience with serious illness in childhood, so physical sensations may be frightening to you.

• #67 Illness Anxiety Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK554399/

  Illness anxiety disorder (previously called hypochondriasis) is a psychiatric disorder defined by excessive worry about having or developing a serious undiagnosed medical condition. […] The exact etiology of illness anxiety disorder remains largely unknown. However, multiple risk factors have been implicated in the development of this disorder. […] People with IAD may be uncomfortable experiencing normal body sensations, and they may label the subtle bodily changes as pathological. […] If a person is raised in a family where health anxieties are frequently discussed or if parents were disproportionately concerned about health-related issues, IAD may develop. […] A person might be at increased risk of developing IAD if they experienced serious illness in their childhood or their parent(s) or siblings suffered from a serious medical condition. […] People with underlying anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder) are also at an increased risk of developing IAD. […] If a person spends an exorbitant amount of time reviewing health-related materials on the internet, he or she may be at an increased risk of developing IAD.

• #68 Illness Anxiety Disorder: Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors

  https://www.prepladder.com/neet-pg-study-material/psychiatry/illness-anxiety-disorder-causes-symptoms-risk-factors-diagnosis-treatment-prevention-and-complications

  Risk factors for anxiety disorders may include: […] A period of extreme stress in life […] Risk of a serious illness turning into a less serious one […] Past trauma you experienced as a child […] A parent suffering from a dreadful illness or a serious illness when they were children […] Personality traits, like a tendency to worry excessively and use the internet excessively for health-related purposes.

• #69 Illness Anxiety Disorder: Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors

  https://www.prepladder.com/neet-pg-study-material/psychiatry/illness-anxiety-disorder-causes-symptoms-risk-factors-diagnosis-treatment-prevention-and-complications

  Risk factors for anxiety disorders may include: […] A period of extreme stress in life […] Risk of a serious illness turning into a less serious one […] Past trauma you experienced as a child […] A parent suffering from a dreadful illness or a serious illness when they were children […] Personality traits, like a tendency to worry excessively and use the internet excessively for health-related purposes.

• #70 Illness Anxiety Disorder | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder

  The cause of illness anxiety disorder is not known, but major life stress might precede the development of symptoms in some cases, and a history of childhood abuse or serious childhood illness may be a risk factor for developing symptoms later in life. […] While there does not appear to be a genetic cause of the disorder, research suggests that it is somewhat more common in people with a parent who has the condition, because they may model illness anxiety, or because their tendency toward overprotection may influence their childrens own beliefs. […] Also, as with general anxiety, illness anxiety is linked to the personality trait of neuroticism, which has been shown to predict an individuals susceptibility to anxiety and depression, as well as the development of emotional reactivity that makes people especially attuned to threat.

• #71 Illness Anxiety Disorder: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/290955-overview

  Illness anxiety disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, is characterized by a preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious, undiagnosed medical illness. […] Neurochemical deficits associated with illness anxiety disorder appear similar to those of mood and anxiety disorders. […] Findings of neurochemical deficits in patients with illness anxiety disorder are only preliminary, but such deficits may explain why symptoms overlap, why the disorders are commonly comorbid, and why effective treatments for OC spectrum disorders are also effective for illness anxiety disorder (eg, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]). […] Illness anxiety disorder is usually episodic, with symptoms that last from months to years and equally long quiescent periods. […] Cognitive, social learning, and psychodynamic theories imply that patients have significant psychosocial disturbances in terms of relationships, vocations, and other endeavors.

• #72 Illness Anxiety Disorder – Psychiatric Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition

  https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/somatic-symptom-and-related-disorders/illness-anxiety-disorder

  Illness anxiety disorder is preoccupation with and fear of having or acquiring a serious disorder. […] The patient’s fears may derive from misinterpreting nonpathologic physical symptoms or normal bodily functions (eg, borborygmi, abdominal bloating and crampy discomfort, awareness of heartbeat, sweating). […] The diagnosis of illness anxiety disorder is based on criteria from the DSM-5-TR, including the following: The patient is preoccupied with having or acquiring a serious illness. […] Symptoms are not better accounted for by depression or another psychiatric disorder. […] Treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be helpful, as may cognitive-behavioral therapy.

• #73 Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondria): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://thriveworks.com/help-with/anxiety/illness-anxiety-disorder/

  Illness anxiety disorder (also known as hypochondria) is a mental health condition in which sufferers frequently become convinced or seriously concerned that they have a serious illness or medical emergency. […] Triggers and causes of illness anxiety disorder can include childhood trauma, a family history of anxiety disorders, and past experiences with chronic illness or serious injuries, among other unique factors. […] According to current psychological understanding, illness anxiety disorder isn’t caused by a single event or factor but is more likely to arise from a group of comorbid events or circumstances. Some of these events or circumstances include: childhood trauma, including neglectful parents, sibling rivalries, or even custody battles; extreme stress; a history of anxiety disorders in your family, or severe/chronic illness; suffering from an illness or injury in childhood; witnessing a family member suffer from a chronic illness or debilitating injury during childhood; pre-existing mental health conditions, like anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia; recent or past history of trauma, including sexual assault, physical and emotional abuse. […] The causes of Illness anxiety disorder all function as a gateway toward an increased risk of health-related anxiety.

• #74 Illness anxiety disorder | Symptoms, Treatment & Causes | Britannica

  https://www.britannica.com/science/illness-anxiety-disorder

  Illness anxiety disorder is thought to be derived from the misinterpretation of normal bodily functions and cues, thereby precipitating health-related anxiety. […] Clinical diagnosis of illness anxiety disorder is based on the persistence of illness-related fears and associated behaviour for six or more months. […] Illness anxiety disorder often co-occurs with other psychiatric conditions, which may include depression, an anxiety disorder, or a personality disorder.

• #75 Illness Anxiety Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK554399/

  Illness anxiety disorder (previously called hypochondriasis) is a psychiatric disorder defined by excessive worry about having or developing a serious undiagnosed medical condition. […] The exact etiology of illness anxiety disorder remains largely unknown. However, multiple risk factors have been implicated in the development of this disorder. […] People with IAD may be uncomfortable experiencing normal body sensations, and they may label the subtle bodily changes as pathological. […] If a person is raised in a family where health anxieties are frequently discussed or if parents were disproportionately concerned about health-related issues, IAD may develop. […] A person might be at increased risk of developing IAD if they experienced serious illness in their childhood or their parent(s) or siblings suffered from a serious medical condition. […] People with underlying anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder) are also at an increased risk of developing IAD. […] If a person spends an exorbitant amount of time reviewing health-related materials on the internet, he or she may be at an increased risk of developing IAD.

• #76 Illness anxiety disorder // Middlesex Health

  https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder

  The exact cause of illness anxiety disorder isn’t clear, but these factors may play a role: […] You may have a difficult time tolerating uncertainty over uncomfortable or unusual body sensations. This could lead you to misinterpret that all body sensations are serious, so you search for evidence to confirm that you have a serious disease. […] You may be more likely to have health anxiety if you had parents who worried too much about their own health or your health. […] You may have had experience with serious illness in childhood, so physical sensations may be frightening to you.

• #77 Illness Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms & Treatment | BetterHelp

  https://www.betterhelp.com/mental-health/disorders-conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder/

  Illness anxiety disorder is a recent addition to the DSM-5, only present since 2013. […] The cause of illness anxiety disorder is currently unknown. […] Therefore, more research is needed to determine the cause of the disorder. […] Despite not understanding the cause of illness anxiety disorder, researchers have determined that there are some common risk factors for developing the disorder, including: experiencing other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, traumatic experience such as assault or abuse, a childhood experience with serious illness, or serious illness in a family member or other loved one, high levels of stress, health anxiety or other types of anxiety disorder present in family members.

• #78 Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondria): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9886-illness-anxiety-disorder-hypochondria-hypochondriasis

  Illness anxiety disorder is a chronic mental illness sometimes known as hypochondria. People with this disorder have a persistent fear that they have a serious or life-threatening illness despite few or no symptoms. […] Healthcare experts dont know why some people develop illness anxiety disorder. You may be more prone to illness anxiety disorder if you have a family history of childhood illness or serious illness in your family during childhood. […] Illness anxiety disorder can disrupt your relationships and life. You may miss out on time with loved ones because youre concerned about your health. […] A persistent fear about having a serious illness or developing one is the top symptoms of illness anxiety disorder. Your provider may diagnose illness anxiety disorder if you have health anxiety (or other illness anxiety disorder symptoms) for six months or longer even after tests show that youre not sick. […] Unfortunately, theres no known prevention against illness anxiety disorder. But getting support from medical and mental health professionals and loved ones (family, friends, etc.) may help reduce the severity of your symptoms and help you cope with the disorder.

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