A 35 years old male, with pre-morbid anxious traits & heavy smoker, believes that he has been suffering from ‘lung carcinoma’ for a year, No significant clinical finding is detected on examination and relevant investigation. He continues to stick to his belief despite evidence to the contrary. In the process, he has spent a huge amount of money, time and energy in getting himself unduly investigated. He is most likely suffering from –
A 35 years old male, with pre-morbid anxious traits & heavy smoker, believes that he has been suffering from ‘lung carcinoma’ for a year, No significant clinical finding is detected on examination and relevant investigation. He continues to stick to his belief despite evidence to the contrary. In the process, he has spent a huge amount of money, time and energy in getting himself unduly investigated. He is most likely suffering from –
💡 Explanation
**Core Concept**
Illness anxiety disorder, previously known as hypochondriasis, is characterized by excessive worry about having a serious illness despite medical reassurance, often leading to excessive medical investigation and consultation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
This patient's persistent belief in having lung carcinoma despite lack of clinical findings and evidence to the contrary is a classic example of illness anxiety disorder. His anxious traits and smoking history may have contributed to his heightened concern about his health, but the fact that he continues to believe in his illness despite medical reassurance is a hallmark of this disorder.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not relevant as there is no evidence of a somatic symptom disorder, which involves one or more chronic physical symptoms that are distressing and result in significant disruption of daily life.
**Option B:** While factitious disorder might be considered, this patient's behavior is more consistent with illness anxiety disorder, as he is focused on his own health concerns rather than fabricating symptoms.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Illness anxiety disorder should be distinguished from factitious disorder, somatic symptom disorder, and malingering, as each has distinct clinical features and implications for treatment.