Approximately what percent of individuals previously diagnosed with hypochondriasis are now categorized under Somatic Symptom Disorder?

• A. 50
• B. 60
• C. 75
• D. 90

Answer: (C)

The change being tested is how hypochondriasis was redefined in DSM-5 into Somatic Symptom Disorder and Illness Anxiety Disorder, depending on whether prominent somatic symptoms are present. Approximately three quarters of those previously labeled with hypochondriasis are now categorized under Somatic Symptom Disorder. This reflects the idea that many individuals with hypochondriasis had real somatic symptoms causing distress and were preoccupied with those symptoms, which fits SSD. The rest, whose concern centers on having or acquiring a serious illness with little or no somatic symptom burden, align with Illness Anxiety Disorder. So, about 75% is the best estimate.