The faculty of medicine, through the department of psychiatry, held a grand round on March 28, 2023, on the topic “Mind or Body: The Hidden Struggle of Illness Anxiety Disorder.”

The presentation and discussion were centered on the key features and diagnostic criteria of Illness Anxiety Disorder, as well as some of the potential causes, the pathophysiology and treatment options.

Illness Anxiety Disorder, also known as hypochondriasis, is characterized by excessive worry and fear about having a serious medical illness, despite little or no evidence of such an illness. People with the condition may present symptoms such as constantly checking one’s body for signs of illness, seeking medical attention repeatedly, and experiencing significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.

Presentations also discussed some of the possible causes of Illness Anxiety Disorder, including genetic and environmental factors as well as the role of cognitive factors such as catastrophizing and attentional biases.

Treatment options for this condition include cognitive-behavioral therapy as the first line of treatment, as well as medication and other psychotherapeutic approaches.

 

The grand round provided a thorough explanation of illness anxiety disorder and helped all of the participants understand that, in accordance with Sigmund Freud’s theory, the mind and body are interconnected and that a person’s mental and emotional health can have a significant impact on their physical health.

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