Hypochondriac

Hypochondriac is a term that refers to an individual who is excessively worried about having a serious illness, despite having no, or only mild, symptoms. This condition is also known as Illness anxiety disorder or Health anxiety.

Definition

A Hypochondriac is a person who is excessively and unduly worried about having a serious illness. This condition is considered a psychosomatic disorder as it involves both the mind (psychology) and body (somatic). Hypochondriacs become unduly alarmed about any physical or psychological symptoms they detect, no matter how minor the symptom may be, and are convinced that they have, or are about to be diagnosed with, a serious illness.

Symptoms

The main symptom of hypochondria is excessive worry about health. This worry often persists despite medical reassurance, and can be debilitating to the point of affecting daily life. Other symptoms may include:

• Anxiety about health
• Depression
• Obsessive health research
• Frequent medical appointments
• Avoidance of certain activities due to fear of health risks

Causes

The exact cause of hypochondria is unknown, but several factors may contribute to its development. These include:

• A history of physical or sexual abuse
• A history of serious illness during childhood
• A poor understanding of disease and body function
• The belief that good health means that you have no physical symptoms or discomfort
• Having a parent or close relative with the disorder

Treatment

Treatment for hypochondria most often includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy helps you understand and decrease fear of disease. You may learn how to stop paying so much attention to your body sensations and to stop seeking disease information. You may also learn how to reduce visits to medical specialists, and how to resist the urge to do health-related internet searches.

See also

• Anxiety disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Panic disorder
• Somatization disorder

References

Hypochondriac Resources
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