Hypochondriasis is characterized by severe anxiety over the possibility of having a disease. A person interprets physical symptoms and sensations as signs of a serious medical illness despite medical reassurance that they are not.
Hypochondriasis occurs equally in men and women.
Although hypochondriasis can occur at any age, it tends to peak during adolescence and middle age. I am hypervigilant about my bodily functioning and sensations and monitor every minor change that occurs. I am preoccupied with the fear of having a serious illness or of becoming seriously ill. I have persistent fear of having a serious illness despite medical reassurance to the contrary. If I read or hear about a disease I start to think I may have it.