ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to define illness anxiety both clinically and anecdotally, providing descriptions of the factors and symptoms which result in a diagnosis of illness anxiety disorder as well as to provide case examples to support the general concepts discussed. The reader will be able to understand what illness anxiety is definitionally and diagnostically, how it manifests, how to differentiate between separate but similar diagnoses, and the mitigating factors which illness anxiety to occur. This chapter will explain the underlying and root causes of illness anxiety and provide examples, case illustrations, and guidance for both patients and professionals. The various ways in which illness anxiety disrupts an individual’s daily functioning will be described in detail so as to assist readers in understanding its serious effect on an individual’s psychological stability. The information provided will be based on psychological literature, available research, and anecdotal examples.
