All About Hypochondria

Hypochondria, or hypochodriasis, is a condition in which a person obsesses over perspective life threatening illnesses that he or she believes they suffer from, although the person don't really suffer from the imagined illnesses. Many researchers currently believe that this mental illness is a variation of obsessive compulsive disorder, although in the past it was simply thought to be a psychomatic condition, or a mental illness that causes physical symptoms.

Symptoms

Some people with hypochondria will visit numerous doctors, trying to find a diagnosis and will not believe the doctor whenever they're told that no serious illness exists. Many hypochondriacs will seek the care of numerous doctors, insisting that certain terminal diseases exist. However, others with hypochondria are so convinced that they're dying from certain disease that they're afraid to see a doctor at all, often avoiding doctors at all costs. People who suffer from hypochondria will obsess over the research of the disease they believe they have, worry that minor symptoms such as a sore throat or a cough signify something like throat cancer, constantly perform self examinations, and suffer frequent bouts of anxiety and worry. Their relationships are most often troubled, and many hypochondriacs will also avoid certain situations that make them feel anxious, such as visiting a friend or loved one in the hospital.

Diagnosis

Hypochondriasis is only diagnosed after a physician has ruled out any possible "real" illnesses and performed a thorough physical examination, labs, and any other tests that may help him or her make a diagnosis. If everything comes back normal yet the patient continues to complain of certain symptoms and suggests that he or she suffers from certain diseases, the patient will then be referred to a mental health facility for evaluation. Usually a psychiatrist or similar mental health professional will diagnose this condition as well as any underlying conditions as well.

Causes

Researchers believe that hypochondria is caused by a combination of underlying anxiety as well as an intensified and frequent fight or flight response. Certain life events can also trigger the condition in certain individuals such as a loved one or close friend becoming seriously ill, the death of a relative or close friend, and even experiencing increased amounts of stress.

Treatment

The sooner a person with hypochondria is diagnosed and treated, the more likely they are to make a full recovery, since the longer a person suffers from the condition, the more difficult it is to treat. Treatment normally includes a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and sometimes medications to treat depression and anxiety. These medications may not be helpful in some individuals with hypochondria, because side effects that often result from the medications may cause the person to believe he or she is dying from a new disease. This is why each hypochondria case needs to receive an individualized treatment plan.

References

Mayo Clinic Information - www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypochondria/DS00841

Steady Health Information -www.steadyhealth.com/articles/Hypochondria__Causes_and_Risk_Factors_a244.html