Nosophobia: Understanding the Fear of Disease - Symptoms & Causes

The fear of disease is called nosophobia, also known as disease anxiety or hypochondriasis. It is characterized by an excessive or unrealistic worry about having a serious or life-threatening disease, even when there is no medical evidence to support the fear. People with nosophobia may experience intense anxiety and preoccupation with their health, leading to avoidance of hospitals, doctors, or certain situations they believe may increase the risk of illness.