Everyday Health: COVID concerns versus Illness Anxiety Disorder

Many people have felt worried about being infected with COVID-19 while going out into public throughout the pandemic, but experts say constant worry or questioning if the slightest of symptoms is COVID may be a sign of illness anxiety disorder (IAD).

Shana Feibel, DO, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry & behavioral neuroscience in the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and a psychiatrist at the Lindner Center of Hope in Mason, told Everyday Health that people with "normal" concerns will follow general public health recommendations like getting vaccinated, wearing masks and washing hands often. It's also a typical response to stay up to date on the latest guidance from experts like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, a person may have IAD if they are often worrying about infection despite no noticeable symptoms. 

“The general concern about an illness often far outweighs the chances of a serious illness,” Feibel said.

Read the Everyday Health article.

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