Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
Specific phobia of illness: search for a new subtype
Russell Noyes1, Caroline P Carney, Douglas R Langbehn
1Department of Biostatistics, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver Colleges of Medicine and Public Health, Iowa City, IA 52242-1000, USA. russell-noyes@uiowa.edu
Abstract:
Specific phobia of illness makes its appearance in DSM-IV as a new diagnostic subtype, separate from hypochondriasis. A review of the literature indicates that, while there is some support for this new category, studies have not as yet been done that could provide validation. Illness phobia appears to be a significant problem; it is prevalent in the general population and is associated with distress and impairment, including interference with medical care. It appears to be associated with older age, physical illness, and female gender. Group comparisons are needed showing that persons with this phobia can be distinguished from hypochondriasis on the basis of these and other demographic and illness features. We outline a research agenda for demonstrating this separation.
Related Concept Videos
Preparedness and Phobias
Social Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Classification of Illness
An illness is a response to a disease in which the person's level of functioning is changed compared with a previous level. The general classification of illness includes acute and chronic.
Acute illness is severe and...
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
