Hypochondria is a health anxiety disorder. It is often chronic. A person with hypochondria is often very anxious about his or her health. A hypochondriac fears that a real or imagined minor physical symptom is a sign of serious illness. Even when several doctors assure her otherwise, a hypochondriac is convinced that she has a serious disease. Psychiatric counseling and medications can relieve some, if not all, of the
anxiety
and suffering. But left untreated, hypochondria can be debilitating and affect daily function.
It is often difficult to identify a specific cause for hypochondria.
Factors that may increase your risk for getting hypochondria include:
Family history of hypochondriaHaving a serious childhood illness
Psychiatric disorders such as
depression
,
anxiety, or personality disorder
Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse in childhoodObserving violence in childhoodStressful experience with your own or a loved one's illnessSymptoms include:
Chronic fear of serious illnessChronic fear that minor symptoms are signs of a serious illnessMany physical complaints that often change over time
The disorder:
Lasts at least six monthsCauses major distressInterferes with social life or work
You may:
Make many doctor visits, sometimes in the same daySeek repeated tests for the same symptomsRepeatedly research information about specific illnesses and their symptomsThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. If the exam shows no disease, your doctor may begin to suspect hypochondria. If further testing also fails to uncover a known medical condition, your doctor may diagnosis you with hypochondria if:
Your fear of illness lasts for at least six monthsNo other psychological disorder is causing your fearEffective treatment involves consistent, supportive care from one doctor, often along with a mental health professional. Finding a healthcare provider who is willing to listen to your concerns, provide support, and avoid needless testing is key to recovery.
You may feel overwhelmed by your symptoms. They may even seem to control your life. Schedule frequent visits, regardless of symptoms, with one doctor you can trust. Expect your doctor to:
Validate your distressBe supportiveDirect your attention away from symptoms and focus it on functioning in daily lifeDiscourage a sense of dependency and disabilityRecommend psychiatric counseling
Psychotherapy such as
cognitive behavior therapy
and behavioral stress management can be effective in treating hypochondria. This involves regular counseling with a psychotherapist to recognize false beliefs, understand anxiety, and stop anxious behaviors.
Antidepressant medicines (eg,
serotonin reuptake inhibitors
[SSRIs], tricyclics antidepressants) may help relieve the symptoms of hypochondria.
There are no guidelines to prevent hypochondria because the cause is not known.
Last reviewed November 2012 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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