Which symptom is typical of hypochondriasis?

• A. An abnormal fear about one's health.
• B. An abnormal fear of water.
• C. Difficulty adjusting to new people.
• D. Difficulty adjusting to unfamiliar environments.

Answer: (A)

Hypochondriasis involves an abnormal, persistent fear about one's health and a preoccupation that one has or will develop a serious illness, even when medical evaluation is reassuring. The person interprets normal bodily sensations as signs of disease and remains anxious about health, often seeking repeated medical testing or reassurance. The other options describe fears or difficulties in areas unrelated to health concerns—fear of water is a specific phobia of aquatics, while difficulty adjusting to new people or unfamiliar environments relates to social or situational anxiety.