Illness anxiety disorder differs from somatic symptom disorder mainly in the ______.
A) duration of hospital visits
B) frequency of hospital visits
C) presence or absence of symptoms
D) potential for personal gain from the diagnosis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The main difference between illness anxiety disorder and somatic symptom disorder is the presence or absence of actual physical symptoms. In illness anxiety disorder, individuals are excessively worried about or preoccupied with the possibility of having a serious illness, despite having little or no actual symptoms. In somatic symptom disorder, individuals experience physical symptoms that cause distress or impairment, regardless of whether a medical explanation can be found. The duration or frequency of hospital visits and the potential for personal gain from the diagnosis are not defining characteristics of these disorders.

Illness Anxiety Disorder Differs from Somatic Symptom Disorder Mainly in the ______