Final answer:
Hypochondriasis is the mental health condition that may require cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), reassurance, and education to alleviate fears and anxiety. It involves excessive worry about having a serious illness and treatment focuses on challenging dysfunctional health beliefs and providing accurate health information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mental health condition that might require cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), reassurance, and education about the specific illness to alleviate fears and anxiety is A) Hypochondriasis. This condition is characterized by excessive worry about having a serious illness, despite assurance from health professionals and a lack of significant medical findings. Treatment often involves CBT, where patients learn to challenge and change their dysfunctional thoughts about health, alongside reassurance and education on their specific concerns, which can help manage the anxiety related to their perceived health issues.
Hypochondriasis, or illness anxiety disorder, involves an overwhelming fear of having a serious illness, leading individuals to misinterpret normal or minor bodily sensations as serious health problems. This condition can cause significant distress and impairment, often prompting frequent medical consultations. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered an effective treatment for hypochondriasis, aiming to correct the inaccurate beliefs and attitudes towards health. Patients are also provided with reassurance after appropriate medical evaluation and educated about their health to alleviate unnecessary fears. This multifaceted approach is essential as it addresses the psychological and educational aspects of the disorder, contributing to improved mental health and quality of life.