Persistent preoccupation with serious illness and normal body function is called ?
## **Core Concept**
The question tests understanding of psychiatric disorders, specifically those related to preoccupation with bodily functions or fear of illness. This concept falls under the category of somatoform disorders or anxiety disorders.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **Hypochondriasis**, now more commonly referred to as **Illness Anxiety Disorder** in DSM-5, is characterized by excessive worry about having a serious illness despite medical reassurance and minimal or no somatic symptoms. This condition involves a persistent preoccupation with the fear of having, or the idea that one has, a serious, undiagnosed medical condition. This fear causes significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** Without the specific text of Option A, we cannot directly address its incorrectness, but we can infer it does not match the definition of persistent preoccupation with serious illness and normal body functions.
- **Option B:** Similarly, without the text, we assume it does not align with the characteristics of hypochondriasis or illness anxiety disorder.
- **Option C:** This option is also not provided, but based on the correct answer being D, we deduce it does not accurately describe hypochondriasis.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical pearl is that patients with **Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondriasis)** often have a high level of healthcare utilization due to their persistent fear of illness. A useful approach in managing these patients includes providing reassurance and exploring cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as a treatment option.
## **Correct Answer:** D. Hypochondriasis.