hypochondria

Definition

• Hypochondriasis is a mental disorder characterized by excessive fear of or preoccupation with a serious illness, despite medical testing and reassurance to the contrary. It was formerly called hypochondriacal neurosis.

Symptoms

Symptoms

• Having a long-term intense fear or anxiety about having a serious disease or health condition
• Worrying that minor symptoms or bodily sensations mean you have a serious illness
• Frequently switching doctors — if one doctor tells you that you aren't sick, you may not believe it and seek out other opinions

Symptoms

• Continuously talking about your symptoms or suspected diseases with family and friends
• Obsessively doing health research
• Frequently checking your body for problems, such as lumps or sores

Cause

Cause

• It's unknown about what cause it. But people claimed thought that personality, life experiences, upbringing and inherited traits may all play a role.

Treatment, medication

Treatment, medication

• Certain antidepressant medications may be helpful in treating hypochondria.
• Psychological counseling (psychotherapy) is the primary treatment for hypochondria. A form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be the most effective treatment.

Treatment, medication

• And the important part is the education about hypochondria. Known as psychoeducation, this type of counseling can help you and your family better understand what hypochondria is, why you have it and how to cope with your health fears.

Facts of hypochondriasis

Adolf Hitler is a hypochondriac

Charles Darwin is a hypochondriac, too.

Women have hypochondriasis three to four times more often than men.

Prevalence

Prevalence

• No specific age, but Women have hypochondriasis three to four times more often than men

Sources

• http://www.currentpsychiatry.com/the-publication/past-issue-single-view/hyp...

Sources

• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypochondria/basics/treatment...
• http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-famous-hypochondriacs.php