A 48-year-old man is convinced he has pancreatic cancer despite repeatedly normal imaging and tumour markers. He avoids hospitals, refuses follow-up appointments, and declines physician visits because he fears confirmation of his suspicion. According to DSM-5, which subtype of illness anxiety disorder does he illustrate?
- A Care-seeking type
- B Somatic-dominant type
- C Care-avoidant type ✓
- D Mixed presentation type
Correct answer: C. Care-avoidant type
Explanation
DSM-5 specifies two subtypes of illness anxiety disorder. The care-avoidant type, illustrated here, consists of pervasive avoidance of physicians and hospitals out of fear that evaluation will confirm the dreaded disease. The care-seeking type comprises frequent visits, examinations, and reassurance seeking. There are no other recognized subtypes, and the somatic-dominant option describes somatic symptom disorder rather than illness anxiety disorder.
Reference: DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association, 2013 ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.