1. a psychological disorder characterized by excessive worry about having a serious illness, despite little or no medical evidence; health anxiety.
Usage: medical/psychological term; also called illness anxiety disorder in modern diagnostic manuals

Examples

• Her hypochondriasis led her to visit the doctor multiple times a month for minor symptoms.
• The therapist helped him manage his hypochondriasis by teaching him to distinguish between normal bodily sensations and signs of serious disease.
• Hypochondriasis often causes significant distress and interferes with daily functioning.
• He struggled with hypochondriasis for years before seeking professional mental health treatment.
• The patient's hypochondriasis improved after cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• Social media can sometimes worsen hypochondriasis by exposing people to health-related information.