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![The study also highlighted an increased risk of death, including suicide, among those with this diagnosis. Too Much Worry About Serious Illness Can Shorten Your Life: Study](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/stsp/to_webp,q_lossy,ret_img/https://images.news18.com/ibnlive/uploads/2021/07/1627283897_news18_logo-1200x800.jpg?impolicy=website&width=510&height=356)
The study also highlighted an increased risk of death, including suicide, among those with this diagnosis.
Illness anxiety disorder (IAD) is a psychiatric disorder characterised by excessive worry about having or developing a serious, undiagnosed medical condition.
A recent study revealed that people with an excessive fear of serious illness tend to die earlier than those who aren’t overly worried about health. This fear, known as IAD or illness anxiety disorder (formerly hypochondriasis), goes beyond typical health concerns. Individuals with this disorder struggle to overcome their fears despite normal check-ups, with some changing doctors frequently or avoiding medical care altogether.
Causes of IAD
The exact cause of IAD remains unclear, but various risk factors contribute to its development:
Sensitivity to Body Sensations: Feeling uneasy about normal body sensations may play a role in IAD.
Family Environment: Growing up in a family where health concerns are frequently discussed can contribute to IAD.
Personal or Family Health History: Having a serious illness in childhood or having family members with significant health issues increases the risk of IAD.
Existing Anxiety Disorders: People with other anxiety disorders, like generalised anxiety disorder, are more likely to develop IAD.
Excessive Online Health Research: Spending too much time reading health information on the internet can also be a risk factor for IAD.
Treatment options for IAD
Leader of the American Psychiatric Association’s Council on Research, Dr. Jonathan E. Alpert emphasised the importance of approaching patients with respect and sensitivity, as they may feel accused of imagining symptoms. Recognising that this condition has a name and conveying that message respectfully is crucial. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available.
Treatment options include cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, education, and sometimes antidepressant medication. The study also highlighted an increased risk of death, including suicide, among those with this diagnosis.
Treating illness anxiety disorder focuses on helping patients handle their health worries. Primary care providers build trust by listening to patients and avoiding dismissive comments.
If needed, patients might be referred to as specialists or psychiatrists, done with care to support rather than make them feel abandoned.
Regular check-ins with doctors help minimise emergency visits and address new concerns. The main treatment is talking therapy, like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which tackles unhelpful thoughts and habits.
Other therapies, like mindfulness, can also be considered. In some cases, antidepressant medications may be prescribed, often combined with therapy, for a comprehensive approach to managing IAD.
The Swedish system’s separate code for hypochondriasis allowed a thorough analysis of data from 1997 to 2020. The study, involving 4,100 people with IAD and 41,000 matched counterparts, revealed a fourfold higher risk of suicide among those with the condition.
Overall, people with IAD had higher death rates (8.5 vs. 5.5 per 1,000 person-years), passing away at a younger age (mean age 70 vs. 75). Their risk of death from circulatory and respiratory diseases was higher, while cancer risk remained similar.
For those grappling with suicidal thoughts or facing mental health challenges, seeking of professional help is advised.