Question

Which one of the following disorders presents with the patient being preoccupied with having a given illness based on misinterpretation of bodily sensations?

A. Pseudocyesis
B. Factitious disorder
C. Conversion disorder (functional neurological symptom disorder)
D. Somatic symptom disorder with predominant pain
E. Illness anxiety disorder

Answer 1

Illness anxiety disorder is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with the fear of having a serious disease based on misinterpretations of bodily sensations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The disorder in which a patient is preoccupied with the belief that they have a particular illness based on their misinterpretation of bodily sensations is E. Illness anxiety disorder.

Individuals with this disorder are excessively anxious about the possibility of having a serious disease despite having little to no somatic symptoms, and their concern is out of proportion to the actual risk presented by their physical sensations.

This persistent fear cannot be allayed even when medical tests and reassurances show that they are healthy.