As presented in ICD-10, the essential feature of hypochondria is a persistent preoccupation with the possibility of having one or more serious and progressive physical illness, despite the absence of an actual medical condition. Patients manifest persistent somatic complaints or a persistent preoccupation with their physical appearance. Normal or commonplace sensations and appearances are often interpreted by patients as abnormal and distressing, and attention is usually focused upon only one or two organs or systems of the body. Marked depression and anxiety are often present, and may justify additional diagnoses.