Hypochondriasis, also known as health anxiety, is a condition where individuals are excessively worried about having a serious illness. This anxiety often leads them to misinterpret normal bodily sensations as signs of disease, causing significant distress and impairment in daily life. People with hypochondriasis may frequently seek medical advice or undergo unnecessary tests, despite reassurances from healthcare professionals. This behavior can stem from a heightened sensitivity to health-related information and a tendency to focus on physical symptoms, which can exacerbate their anxiety and lead to a cycle of worry and fear.