A main difference between somatic symptom disorder and illness anxiety disorder is
A)Somatic symptom disorder has a real medical basis and illness anxiety disorder does not
B)Somatic symptom disorder is heritable and illness anxiety is not
C)Somatic symptom disorder is associated with physical exacerbation of real symptoms, whereas illness anxiety disorder is associated with distorted beliefs about normal bodily function
D)None; the two terms refer to the same disorder in DSM-5.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Somatic symptom disorder involves physical symptoms that may or may not have medical explanations, whereas illness anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive fear or anxiety about having a serious illness, often with no or mild physical symptoms present. Somatic symptom disorder can result in physical exacerbation of real symptoms, while illness anxiety disorder is associated with distorted beliefs and preoccupation about normal bodily functions.

A Main Difference Between Somatic Symptom Disorder and Illness Anxiety