Challenges in the assessment and treatment of health anxiety: The case of Mrs. A.

Health anxiety can present a challenge for clinicians, both from the perspective of assigning a DSM-IV diagnosis and in developing an appropriate treatment plan. The case of Mrs. A. illustrates some of the complexities that arise in the diagnosis and treatment of health anxiety. Mrs. A. is a 60-year-old retired teacher who presented to a specialized anxiety clinic with a wide range of health anxiety symptoms. The details of Mrs. A.'s case are …