Hypochondriasis (patient information)

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Overview
Hypochondria is a belief that physical symptoms are signs of a serious illness, even when there is no medical evidence to support the presence of an illness.

What are the symptoms of Hypochondriasis?

 * People with hypochondria are unable to control their fears and worries. They often believe any symptom or sensation is a sign of a serious illness.


 * They seek out reassurance from family, friends, or health care providers on a regular basis. They feel better for a short time at most, and then begin to worry about the same symptoms, or about new symptoms.


 * Symptoms may shift and change, and are often vague. People with hypochondria often examine their own body.


 * Those who are affected may recognize that their fear of having a serious disease is unreasonable or unfounded.

What causes Hypochondriasis?

 * People with hypochondria are overly focused on their physical health. They have an unrealistic fear of having a serious disease. This disorder occurs equally in men and women.


 * The way people with hypochondria think about their physical symptoms can make them more likely to have this condition. As they focus on and worry about physical sensations, a cycle of symptoms and worry begins, which can be difficult to stop.


 * It is important to realize that people with hypochondria do not purposely create these symptoms (malingering). They are unable to control the symptoms.


 * People who have a history of physical or sexual abuse are more likely to have this disorder. However, this does not mean that every person with a hypochondria disorder has a history of abuse.

When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you or your child has symptoms of hypochondria.

Diagnosis

 * Physical examination to rule out illness
 * Psychiatric evaluation to rule out other related disorders

Treatment options

 * It is important to have a supportive relationship with a health care provider. You should have only one primary care provider to avoid having too many tests and procedures.


 * The health care provider should tell you that you do not have a disease, but that continued medical follow-up will help control the symptoms. People with hypochondria feel real distress, so their symptoms should not be denied or challenged.


 * Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help reduce the worry and physical symptoms of this disorder.


 * Finding a mental health provider who has experience treating this disorder with talk therapy (psychotherapy) can be helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a kind of talk therapy, can help you deal with your pain. During therapy, you will learn:
 * To recognize what seems to make the symptoms worse
 * To develop methods of coping with the symptoms
 * To keep yourself more active, even if you still have symptoms

Where to find medical care for Hypochondriasis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hypochondriasis

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The disorder is usually long-term (chronic), unless psychological factors or mood and anxiety disorders are treated.

Possible complications

 * Complications from invasive testing to look for the cause of symptoms
 * Dependence on pain relievers or sedatives
 * Depression and anxiety or panic disorder
 * Lost time from work due to frequent appointments with health care providers

Source
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001236.htm