A patient who fears serious heart disease was referred to the mental health center by a cardiologist after diagnostic evaluation showed no physical illness. The patient says, My heart misses beats. I'm frequently absent from work. I don't go out much because I need to rest. Which health problem is most likely?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C: Illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis). This is because the patient's persistent fear of having a serious illness despite medical reassurance aligns with the key feature of excessive health-related anxiety. The patient's focus on physical symptoms and avoidance behaviors also indicate a somatic symptom-related disorder.
Incorrect choices:
A: Body dysmorphic disorder - This disorder involves preoccupation with perceived defects in physical appearance, not fear of having a serious illness.
B: Antisocial personality disorder - This disorder is characterized by a disregard for others' rights and feelings, not health-related anxiety.
D: Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) - While depression can present with physical symptoms, the patient's primary concern is health-related anxiety rather than low mood.