Which of the following exemplifies a somatoform disorder?

Hypochondriasis, now more commonly referred to as illness anxiety disorder, is a somatoform disorder characterized by an excessive preoccupation with having a serious illness based on misinterpretation of bodily symptoms. Individuals with this disorder often exhibit significant anxiety about their health and frequently seek medical evaluations, despite reassurances and negative tests.

Somatoform disorders, by definition, involve the presence of physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by a medical condition, and such symptoms are thought to arise from psychological factors. In the case of hypochondriasis, the psychological aspect predominantly drives the distress, leading the individual to focus on and amplify perceived health concerns without any clear medical basis.

In contrast, insomnia, hypertension, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are not classified as somatoform disorders. Insomnia is primarily a sleep disorder often associated with various underlying psychological or medical issues. Hypertension is a physiological condition related to cardiovascular health and does not stem from psychological factors alone. Obsessive-compulsive disorder, while involving anxiety, is classified as an anxiety disorder, characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, rather than a somatic focus.