What characterizes health anxiety?

Health anxiety is primarily characterized by an excessive worry or preoccupation with the fear of having a serious illness. Individuals with health anxiety may interpret normal bodily sensations as signs of severe health issues and often seek extensive medical testing despite reassurances from healthcare providers. This persistent anxiety is not just situational; it reflects an ongoing concern that significantly impacts their daily life.

Other options reflect different types of anxiety or traits. Fear of social situations relates more to social anxiety disorder, while a strong desire for perfection aligns with obsessive-compulsive tendencies rather than health preoccupations. The absence of physical symptoms is not characteristic of health anxiety, as individuals may frequently report physical sensations that contribute to their fears, even if no identified illness exists. The focus on an intense and irrational fear of illness makes the identification of health anxiety very specific and distinct from these other concerns.