Praxis Psychology Exam Prep

Answer: B - Mrs. Willem visits the doctor’s office 2 or 3 times a week complaining of odd physical pain. The doctor can’t find anything wrong with Mrs. Willem physically and suspects that she suffers from hypochondriasis.
Key Takeaway: Hypochondriasis is a somatoform disorder whereby the person becomes preoccupied with thoughts of being seriously ill. Even if doctors show them imaging and other test results that they are physically fine, those with hypochondriasis will still believe that they are gravely ill. This constant state of fear make a person with hypochondriasis constantly seek out reassurance from professionals, family, and friends. Hyponchondriacs can be two kinds: the first kind goes to the doctor frequently trying to find answers for imagined illness and the second kind ‘suffers silently’ and avoids doctors altogether.