Do You Know a Hypochondriac?

Hypochondria is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary (Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hypochondria) as the persistent conviction that one is or is likely to become ill, often involving symptoms when illness is neither present nor likely, and persisting despite reassurance and medical evidence to the contrary. This person is referred to as a hypochondriac.

Hypochondria is a serious condition often laughed at and not taken seriously in this day and time. When we hear the word "hypochondriac" we think of someone purposely lying about a disease, but there are those with this condition that cannot help but worry about their health. Maybe they had a heart attack in the past and that has brought this on, or perhaps they are nearing the age of a deceased parent and are starting to worry and even focus on their own health. These people's lives are affected by their condition and they carry the burden of worry which often brings depression or anxiety.

We've all known someone who is a little too open to suggestions and ideas. Someone who would say they are sick after hearing of some kind of illness outbreak on the television or radio, is what I'm talking about. Think you might know someone like this? Have you ever been watching the news about a and had someone; a friend, family member, or co-worker describe all the feelings the news segment has just described? Or claim to be "not feeling so well". The mere suggestion of a certain type of illness will leave the hypochondriac feeling the symptoms, leaving them to believe they too have the disease.

Some hypochondriacs worry too much and purposely pick apart every sensation that their body is feeling and producing and weighing in their mind if they think it is normal for them. Depression and anxiety can produce many physical feeling that can be associated with other serious illnesses. Rapidly increasing heartbeat, numbing in the hand or fingers, dizziness, and so on can be mistaken for serious heart problems by those who are trying to self diagnose their symptoms. These signs should always be checked out by doctor.

Even after numerous trips to the doctor to validate their anxieties, assurance from the doctor they are in good health, they do not believe what they are told and still persist to believe that they are ill in some way. In some cases, this is done for attention - purposely or not purposely. Although there are those hypochondriacs who fear going to the doctor and possibly being told that there is something wrong with them and go so far as to neglect their health.

Hypochondria can be treated through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is nothing more than a therapy session directed at the root of the worries to work past them. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors have been shown to be effective treatments for the symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as readjusting neurotransmitter levels that will reduce worry for those suffering from hypochondria. Deep breathing techniques and meditation are also effective tools for people suffering from hypochondria, anxiety or depression.