Hypochondria or Hypochondriasis

What is Hypochondria?

Quick Summary:

The mood disorder commonly known as hypochondria is also called hypochondriasis or health anxiety. This disorder of the mind causes the sufferer to believe that real or imagined physical symptoms are the result of a serious disease. Often no amount of reassurance, even from medical professionals, can convince the hypochondriac that no disease is present. The fear and worry that the sufferer experiences is far out of proportion to the actual risk. Minor aches and pains are interpreted as clues of grave illnesses, such as cancer or AIDS. Pyscho-somatic symptoms may also be present. No specific cause is associated with hypochondria. An estimated 6% of the public suffers from this disorder.

Take our hypochondria test if you think you may have this disorder.

Symptoms of Hypochondria:

• Overwhelming fear of illness
• Misinterpretation of minor physical symptoms
• Distration from daily activities due to health worries
• Frequent doctor visits, switching doctors, or conversely, fear of doctors
• Fear of impending death, making preparations for death
• High levels of anxiety
• Complaints lasting longer than 6 months

Additional Information:

Hypochondria is experienced by both men and women of all races and age groups. Most cases respond to treatment under supervision of a professional. Depression and anxiety brought on by hypochondria will also be resolved with treatment. Hypochondria may be highly related to Somatization Disorder, a chronic condition marked by physical complaints which cannot be attributed to any disease. It is believed the physical symptoms are triggered psychologically, although other explanations have been suggested, including poor posture.

Talk about it on our hypochondria forum.

Books on Coping With Hypochondria

Treating Health Anxiety : A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach
"This excellent volume provides a comprehensive, scholarly, and well-organized discussion of health anxiety, rigorously addressing both what we know and don't know about it."

Stop Worrying About Your Health! How to Quit Obsessing About Symptoms and Feel Better Now
"This book helps readers identify the cause of their underlying worry, counteract irrational thoughts, and redefine their perception of symptoms."

It's Not All in Your Head : How Worrying about Your Health Could Be Making You Sick
"As a long-term sufferer of health anxiety, I wish I could have read this book many years ago. I know that it would have saved me a lot of grief."

Where to Get More Help and Information

• Medical News Today Article - What is Hypochondria?
• New Yorker Article - Sick With Worry
• AskMen.com Article - Are You a Hypochondriac?
• Hypochondria Forum
• Article on Cyberchondria
• MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hypochondria