Abstract
Individuals with illness anxiety disorder (IAD) experience a preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness despite having mild or absent physical symptoms. Formerly hypochondriasis, individuals with IAD experience high rates of disability, contribute to elevated annual health care costs, and experience multiple comorbidities. IAD has been historically difficult to treat for both medical and mental health providers. Research suggests cognitive behavior therapy has mixed results for individuals with IAD. In this fictitious case presentation, we describe a course of successful exposure therapy for IAD drawing on the principals of inhibitory learning theory. Thus, through this example we demonstrate how to overcome common obstacles to successful treatment for IAD, such as willingness to participation, comorbid depression, and therapeutic alliance.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
