A Patient Who Fears Serious Heart Disease Was Referred to the Mental

Multiple Choice

A patient who fears serious heart disease was referred to the mental health center by a cardiologist after diagnostic evaluation showed no physical illness. The patient says, "My heart misses beats. I'm frequently absent from work. I don't go out much because I need to rest." Which health problem is most likely?

A) Depersonalization disorder
B) Antisocial personality disorder
C) Illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)
D) Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)