Hipocondria is characterised by persistent preoccupation or fear about the possibility of having one or more serious, progressive or life-threatening illnesses. The preoccupation is accompanied by either: 1) repetitive and excessive health-related behaviours, such as repeatedly checking the body for evidence of illness, spending inordinate amounts of time searching for information about the feared illness, repeatedly seeking reassurance (e.g. arranging multiple medical consultations); or 2) maladaptive avoidance behaviour related to health (e.g. avoids medical appointments). The symptoms result in significant distress or significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning.