David, a 32-year-old male, recently started seeing a therapist due to stress at work. During the sessions, David reveals that he often feels overwhelmed by thoughts that he may suddenly become paralyzed, even though he has never shown any symptoms of paralysis. He mentions that he frequently visits specialists for various tests to ensure his nervous system is functioning properly. Despite these reassurances, David continues to worry excessively about developing paralysis or some other serious neurological condition. Based on this information, his therapist would MOST likely diagnose David with:

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Illness anxiety disorder. Answer: Illness anxiety disorder David meets the criteria for illness anxiety disorder, a condition characterized by excessive fears of having a severe illness despite the absence of significant symptoms. If David had actual changes in his physical functioning, he might be considered for conversion disorder. Instead, his focus is on the fear of having a serious illness. He does not show exaggerated anxiety directly related to existing somatic symptoms, which rules out somatic symptom disorder. Lastly, the fear of becoming paralyzed is not specifically a phobia but more indicative of a broader anxiety about health issues.

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