Hypochondriasis is broadly defined in the international classification systems for mental disorders ICD-10 (WHO) and DSM-IV (APA) under somatoform disorders as a preoccupation with fears and the belief of having a serious disease with the condition lasting for at least 6 months. It is non-delusional, and the symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder, it causes distress or impairment of functioning and persists despite appropriate medical reassurance. Somatoform disorders are defined as syndromes with physical symptoms, which are not sufficiently explained by physical causes alone, defined somatic illnesses or comorbid mental disorders.