In Kyle's scenario, excessive checking for skin cancer and frequent dermatology appointments led to a diagnosis most consistent with which condition?

• A. Somatic Symptom Disorder
• B. Factitious Disorder
• C. Malingering
• D. Illness Anxiety Disorder

Answer: (D)

Illness Anxiety Disorder is driven by a persistent worry about having a serious illness and is expressed through excessive health-related behaviors, such as repeatedly checking for signs and seeking frequent medical reassurance, even when there are few or no significant somatic symptoms. In Kyle’s case, the pattern of excessive skin cancer checking and many dermatology visits reflects this health anxiety and reassurance-seeking rather than actual, distressing bodily symptoms. This distinction helps separate it from Somatic Symptom Disorder, where a real somatic symptom is present and central to the distress and impairment. It also distinguishes from Malingering or Factitious Disorder, where there is intentional deception or feigning of illness for external gain or internal need to assume a sick role; that does not appear to be the driving factor here.