MCAT Behavioral Sciences Question 98: Answer and Explanation

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Test Information

Question: 98

8. A 28-year-old male comes to a clinic concerned that he has pancreatic cancer. Review of his medical records shows that this is the fourth time in the past year that the patient has appeared for medical attention. No identifiable medical problem is found. When confronted with this history, he confesses that he feels relieved after being told that all of the tests are negative, but soon becomes worried again that he has cancer. Based on the information, the most likely diagnosis for this patient would be:

  • A. major depressive disorder.
  • B. illness anxiety disorder.
  • C. conversion disorder.
  • D. narcissistic personality disorder.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

In illness anxiety disorder, the person is preoccupied with fears that he has—or will come down with—a serious disease, and these fears continue even after medical exams and tests have returned negative results.

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