The illness-anxiety disorder’s history
The original name for illness anxiety disorder was hypochondriasis. Greek doctors were the first to use the word “hypochondria” in traditional medicine. Thus, the Greek term “hypochondrios,” which meaning “under cartilage,” is where the name hypochondrium originates. The word refers, in essence, to the areas of the body between the navel and the ribs.
Why is it the case? Back then, hypochondria was thought to be a medical ailment that started in the stomach and moved up to the brain, where it resulted in psychological issues. Furthermore, until recently, the term “illness without a specific cause” was associated with hypochondriasis.
The name “hypochondriasis” was completely rejected in the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) since it was considered disparaging. Instead, a new label called “illness anxiety disorder” was added. Currently, the DSM-5 lists health anxiety and disease anxiety under “somatic symptom and related disorders.” Because of the similarities and overlap of symptoms with other mental health conditions including OCD and generalized anxiety, it is one of the most difficult psychological diseases to identify and treat.
What Are Illness Anxiety Disorder’s Causes and Risk Factors?
Although the precise causation of anxiety disorders is unknown, a number of risk factors have been shown to be plausible contributors to the condition.
