A symptom checklist to help clients reflect on health-related fears and explore whether a professional assessment may be beneficial.
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Health anxiety – also referred to as illness anxiety disorder or hypochondriasis – is characterized by persistent fears of having or developing a serious medical condition, despite minimal or no physical symptoms. This symptom checklist offers a structured and accessible way for clients and clinicians to explore whether a person’s experiences may reflect the features of health anxiety. It is not intended to provide a diagnosis or assess severity, but it can support early discussions about whether further evaluation is warranted.
Health anxiety often goes unrecognised and can be mistakenly attributed to general stress or medical concerns. This resource:
For individuals with persistent fears about illness or disease despite medical reassurance.
For clients who frequently seek or avoid medical input.
Gently introduce the possibility of health anxiety using the suggested therapeutic prompt.
Work through the checklist collaboratively to identify patterns of worry, reassurance-seeking, and avoidance.
Consider the client's responses in light of DSM-5 or ICD-11 diagnostic features.
Use the insights to inform next steps such as psychoeducation, referral, or intervention planning.
Health anxiety is marked by excessive concern about the possibility of having or developing a serious illness. According to the DSM-5, core features include preoccupation with illness in the absence of significant symptoms, high health-related anxiety, excessive behaviors (e.g., checking or reassurance-seeking), or avoidance (e.g., of medical appointments), and persistence of symptoms for at least six months.
The ICD-11 describes similar features, including persistent illness-related fears and associated behaviors that result in significant impairment in functioning. Individuals may engage in repeated body-checking or extensive internet searches, or they may avoid medical settings altogether. Importantly, these symptoms often remain even after receiving medical reassurance.
This symptom checklist is informed by both DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria. It is not intended to provide a formal diagnosis or assess severity but may support early recognition and therapeutic exploration. Clinicians can use it to validate a client’s experiences and facilitate conversations that may lead to further assessment.
