What term means a disorder characterized by an unreasonable fear that one has a serious disease?

What term means a disorder characterized by an unreasonable fear that one has a serious disease?

• A. Hypochondriasis
• B. Claustrophobia
• C. Encephalitis
• D. Meningitis

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is an anxiety-driven preoccupation with having a serious disease even when medical evaluation shows no illness. This describes hypochondriasis, a pattern where a person misreads normal bodily sensations or minor symptoms as signs of a grave illness and remains convinced despite reassurance. The key idea is excessive worry about health and persistent fear of disease, often leading to repeated doctors’ visits and significant distress or impairment. Other terms don’t fit because they refer to actual conditions or different kinds of fears. Claustrophobia is a fear of being in confined spaces, a specific phobia. Encephalitis and meningitis are real medical illnesses affecting the brain and its coverings, with clinical symptoms rather than a persistent fear of illness.

The concept being tested is an anxiety-driven preoccupation with having a serious disease even when medical evaluation shows no illness. This describes hypochondriasis, a pattern where a person misreads normal bodily sensations or minor symptoms as signs of a grave illness and remains convinced despite reassurance. The key idea is excessive worry about health and persistent fear of disease, often leading to repeated doctors’ visits and significant distress or impairment.

Other terms don’t fit because they refer to actual conditions or different kinds of fears. Claustrophobia is a fear of being in confined spaces, a specific phobia. Encephalitis and meningitis are real medical illnesses affecting the brain and its coverings, with clinical symptoms rather than a persistent fear of illness.