Application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD)

Abstract

Background: Illness anxiety or Hypochondria disorder (IAD) involves intense health anxiety, leading to misinterpretation of normal sensations as serious illness. This causes social withdrawal, strained relationships, and diminished quality of life due to persistent distress.

Aim: To explore the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on the severity of Somatosensory amplifications, health anxiety, social functioning and Quality of life in patients with IAD.

Methods: A Quasi- Experimental study (Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design) was conducted on 80 patients with Hypochondriacal Disorder with Mean age 36 years. The average duration of hypochondriacal disorder was reported as 2.7 years. These patients were randomly assigned to experimental(n=40) or control groups (n=40). The experimental group received CBT sessions focusing on concerned symptoms along with treatment-as-usual (TAU) whereas the control group received no such intervention combined with only TAU. Data was analyzed under t-tests (Paired & Independent).

Results: A significant reduction in somatosensory amplifications, health anxiety, and improvement in social functioning, along with an improvement in quality of life, following CBT was reported in patients with IAD.

Conclusion: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective complementary approach alongside standard medical treatment for patients with IAD.