Hypochondriasis

This diagnosis code represents a somatoform disorder characterized by a persistent preoccupation with having a serious illness, despite appropriate medical evaluation and reassurance. Individuals experience significant distress or impairment due to their health concerns, often misinterpreting normal bodily sensations as evidence of disease.

Assign this code when a patient presents with a chronic and disabling fear of having a severe disease, even after thorough medical workup has ruled out organic pathology. Documentation should clearly indicate the patient's persistent belief, despite medical reassurances, and the resulting functional impairment or distress.

• Differentiate from other somatoform disorders like somatic symptom disorder (F45.1) where physical symptoms are prominent, rather than just the fear of illness.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states the "hypochondriasis" diagnosis or clearly describes the core features of illness preoccupation without significant somatic symptoms.
• Do not use if the patient's health concerns are better explained by another mental disorder (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder with health-related worries).