Hypochondria is an unjustified, exaggerated and even morbid anxiety about one’s own health. The hypochondriac manifests excessive concern for her condition, improperly, negatively assessing her condition.
What is hypochondria
Hypochondria, also known as health anxiety disorder, is a mental health condition in which a person has persistent and excessive concerns about their own physical or mental health. People with hypochondria often experience extreme fear and worry that they are suffering from a serious illness, even though they have no medical evidence to support this belief.
Symptoms of hypochondria
Symptoms of hypochondria include preoccupation with one’s own body and its functions. These include, for example:
– frequent visits to the doctor,
– excessive worry about minor ailments,
– difficulty concentrating on other things due to constant thoughts about the disease,
– feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information about diseases available on the Internet,
– avoiding activities such as exercise for fear that they will cause harm.
Causes of hypochondria
People can develop hypochondria at any age, but it is most common in adults over the age of 30 who may already be dealing with chronic diseases or in those who care for another person with a chronic illness. The exact causes of anxiety are unknown, but research suggests that genetics play an important role along with psychological factors such as childhood trauma, depression/anxiety disorders, low self-esteem and perfectionism. Other possible contributors to hypochondria may be stressful, such as job loss or divorce. These situations (in the eyes of people prone to anxiety disorders) increase the sense of the possibility of developing diseases.
Treatment of hypochondria
There are therapies available that can help reduce symptoms associated with hypochondria, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps to challenge negative beliefs related to the perceived physical state while teaching how to better manage symptoms using relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, etc.
If necessary, patients are given antidepressants, encouraged to change their lifestyle (limiting caffeine intake, getting enough sleep every night). Patients are also working to improve communication skills so that they feel comfortable talking openly and honestly without feeling judged or rejected.