A 42 year old man is preoccupied with his health being not in good shape. He feared that his irregular bowel functions mean he has cancer. Now he is preoccupied about having a serious heart disease, despite his physician's assurance that he has no heart disease. What is his most likely diagnosis?

Ans. B. Hypochondriasis* Hypochondriasis is characterized by fear of developing or having a serious disease, based on the patient's distorted interpretation of normal physical sensations or signs.* The patient continues worrying even though physical exams and diagnostic tests fail to reveal any pathological process.* The fears do not have the absolute certainty of delusions.* Hypochondriasis can develop in every age group, but onset is most common between 20 and 30 years of age.* Both genders are equally represented, and there are no differences in prevalence based on social, educational, or marital status. The disorder tends to have a chronic, relapsing course.