Hypochondriasis

What is hypochondriasis?

• Hypochondriasis (heye-poh-kon-DREYE-ah-sis) is an ongoing fear that you have a serious illness when you do not. Because you are very anxious about your health, you may go to many different caregivers. When caregivers tell you that you do not have a serious health problem, you may not believe them. Hypochondriasis can make you feel very frustrated and depressed (sad).
  
  
• With hypochondriasis, you may have physical (body) symptoms. These symptoms may be imagined (in your mind), or they may be real but harmless feelings. For example, you may notice normal body functions such as your heart beating or your intestines (bowels) gurgling. You may believe that these normal feelings of your body working inside are signs of illness. You may worry a lot about minor physical problems, such as a headache or diarrhea (loose bowel movements). You may feel sure that a minor symptom means that you have a bad illness. You may hear or read about a disease or illness and believe that you have it.

What causes hypochondriasis?

No one knows what causes hypochondriasis for sure. The following are some reasons why hypochondriasis may happen.

• Having a serious illness as a child may make you worry too much about illness as an adult. Being around a close family member with a serious illness can also make you worry too much about illness.
  
  
• Having overly protective parents that focused too much on your minor health problems.
  
  
• Normal chemicals in the brain help your brain do its job. However, the brain must have the right amounts of these chemicals. Having the wrong amount of normal chemicals in your brain may cause or worsen hypochondriasis.
  
  
• Life stressors, such as a major life change, can cause you to worry too much about your body or health. Some major life changes include moving, changing jobs or schools, divorce, or marriage. Death of a loved one can also cause you to worry too much about your health.
  
  
• You may have gotten attention by being ill in the past. You may want that kind of attention again without even knowing it. This may cause you to think you are ill when you are not.

How is hypochondriasis diagnosed?

• Psychiatric assessment: Caregivers will ask if you have a history of psychological trauma, such as physical, sexual, or mental abuse. They will ask if you were given the care that you needed. Caregivers will ask you if you have been a victim of a crime or natural disaster, or if you have a serious injury or disease. They will ask you if you have seen other people being harmed, such as in combat. You will be asked if you drink alcohol or use drugs at present or in the past. Caregivers will ask you if you want to hurt or kill yourself or others. How you answer these questions can help caregivers decide on treatment. To help during treatment, caregivers will ask you about such things as how you feel about it and your hobbies and goals. Caregivers will also ask you about the people in your life who support you.
  
  
• Tests and physical exams: You may be given a physical exam by your caregiver. You may also need to go to the hospital for tests and treatment.

What may be done to treat hypochondriasis?

You may need to see your caregiver several times a month. Many people with hypochondriasis are also depressed. You may be given medicine to help with anxiety and depression. Special types of therapy may also help treat your hypochondriasis.

Risks:

Hypochondriasis can cause you much stress and worry. Money can be wasted on medical treatments that are not needed and may even have risks of their own. You may want tests, medicines, or surgery that are not needed. Over time, caregivers may not believe you when you tell them about symptoms of a real health problem.

Where can I go for support?

• Accepting that you have hypochondriasis is hard. You and those close to you may feel angry, sad, or frightened. These are normal feelings. Talk to your caregivers, family, and friends about your feelings. Write down any questions you have about hypochondriasis and how it is treated. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit with your caregiver. Also ask your caregiver to suggest books that you can read. Reading about hypochondriasis might help you better understand it.
  
  
• Your family may also want to join a support group. This is a group of people who have relatives with hypochondriasis. Ask your caregiver for the names and numbers of support groups near you. You may also contact the following organizations:
  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Public Information & Communication Branch
    6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8184, MSC 9663
    Bethesda , MD 20892-9663
    Phone: 1- 301 - 443-4513
    Phone: 1- 866 - 615-6464
    Web Address: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
    
  • American Psychiatric Association
    1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1825
    Arlington , VA 22209
    Phone: 1- 703 - 907
    Web Address: http://www.psych.org
    

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Copyright © 2012. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Hypochondriasis