Hypochondriasis: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Hypochondriasis
| image          = [[File:Le_Malade_imaginaire.jpg|250px]]
| caption        = ''[[Le Malade imaginaire]]'' by [[Molière]]
| field          = [[Psychiatry]]
| symptoms        = Excessive worry about having a serious illness
| complications  = [[Anxiety]], [[depression (mood)|depression]]
| onset          = Any age, but often early adulthood
| duration        = Chronic
| causes          = Unknown, possibly [[psychological]], [[biological]], or [[environmental]] factors
| risks          = [[Family history]], [[stress]], [[major life changes]]
| diagnosis      = Based on [[clinical assessment]]
| differential    = [[Somatic symptom disorder]], [[illness anxiety disorder]], [[obsessive-compulsive disorder]]
| treatment      = [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]], [[medication]]
| prognosis      = Varies; can be chronic
| frequency      = Unknown, but estimated to affect 1-5% of the population
}}
'''Hypochondriasis''', more commonly known as '''hypochondria''', is a condition characterized by excessive worry about having an [[illness]] despite the absence of any real medical condition. Individuals with hypochondria experience inaccurate perceptions of their [[human]] [[body]] and become unduly alarmed by even the slightest physical symptom. They are convinced that they are about to become sick or have health problems, often causing significant distress and functional impairment.
'''Hypochondriasis''', more commonly known as '''hypochondria''', is a condition characterized by excessive worry about having an [[illness]] despite the absence of any real medical condition. Individuals with hypochondria experience inaccurate perceptions of their [[human]] [[body]] and become unduly alarmed by even the slightest physical symptom. They are convinced that they are about to become sick or have health problems, often causing significant distress and functional impairment.
== '''Signs and symptoms''' ==
== '''Signs and symptoms''' ==
Hypochondria can manifest with a variety of symptoms, including:
Hypochondria can manifest with a variety of symptoms, including:
* Persistent fears of having a serious medical condition, despite negative test results and reassurances from healthcare professionals
* Persistent fears of having a serious medical condition, despite negative test results and reassurances from healthcare professionals
* Misinterpreting normal bodily sensations as signs of illness
* Misinterpreting normal bodily sensations as signs of illness
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* Excessive self-examination and self-diagnosis
* Excessive self-examination and self-diagnosis
* Avoidance of situations or activities believed to cause illness or exacerbate symptoms
* Avoidance of situations or activities believed to cause illness or exacerbate symptoms
== '''Causes''' ==
== '''Causes''' ==
The exact cause of hypochondria is unknown, but it is likely influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some potential contributors to the development of hypochondria include:
The exact cause of hypochondria is unknown, but it is likely influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some potential contributors to the development of hypochondria include:
* Family history of hypochondria or anxiety disorders
* Family history of hypochondria or anxiety disorders
* History of childhood abuse or neglect
* History of childhood abuse or neglect
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== '''Diagnosis''' ==
== '''Diagnosis''' ==
Diagnosis of hypochondria is typically made by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, after ruling out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms. The diagnostic criteria for hypochondria, according to the [[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]] (DSM-5), include:
Diagnosis of hypochondria is typically made by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, after ruling out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms. The diagnostic criteria for hypochondria, according to the [[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]] (DSM-5), include:
* Preoccupation with having a serious illness, based on the misinterpretation of bodily sensations
* Preoccupation with having a serious illness, based on the misinterpretation of bodily sensations
* Persistent worry despite appropriate medical evaluation and reassurance
* Persistent worry despite appropriate medical evaluation and reassurance
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== '''Treatment''' ==
== '''Treatment''' ==
Treatment for hypochondria often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. The primary goal of treatment is to help individuals manage their anxiety and reduce their preoccupation with perceived health problems. Some common treatment approaches include:
Treatment for hypochondria often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. The primary goal of treatment is to help individuals manage their anxiety and reduce their preoccupation with perceived health problems. Some common treatment approaches include:
* [[Cognitive-behavioral therapy]] (CBT): A form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors
* [[Cognitive-behavioral therapy]] (CBT): A form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors
* [[Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors]] (SSRIs): A class of medications commonly used to treat anxiety and depression
* [[Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors]] (SSRIs): A class of medications commonly used to treat anxiety and depression
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== '''Prognosis''' ==
== '''Prognosis''' ==
The prognosis for individuals with hypochondria varies. Some individuals may experience a complete resolution of symptoms with appropriate treatment, while others may have chronic or episodic symptoms throughout their lives. Early intervention and adherence to a comprehensive treatment plan can improve the overall prognosis for individuals with hypochondria.
The prognosis for individuals with hypochondria varies. Some individuals may experience a complete resolution of symptoms with appropriate treatment, while others may have chronic or episodic symptoms throughout their lives. Early intervention and adherence to a comprehensive treatment plan can improve the overall prognosis for individuals with hypochondria.
== '''See also''' ==
== '''See also''' ==
* [[Anxiety disorders]]
* [[Anxiety disorders]]
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* [[Conversion disorder]]
* [[Conversion disorder]]
* [[Body dysmorphic disorder]]
* [[Body dysmorphic disorder]]
== '''References''' ==
<references>
{{reflist|30em}}
* American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
* Fallon, B. A., & Petkova, E. (2016). Hypochondriasis and health anxiety. In D. A. Hofmann & J. A. J. Smits (Eds.), The Wiley Handbook of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (pp. 463-482). Wiley Blackwell.
* Salkovskis, P. M., Rimes, K. A., Warwick, H. M., & Clark, D. M. (2002). The Health Anxiety Inventory: development and validation of scales for the measurement of health anxiety and hypochondriasis. Psychological Medicine, 32(5), 843-853.
* Weck, F., Neng, J. M., Richtberg, S., & Stangier, U. (2014). Dysfunctional beliefs in patients with hypochondriasis and somatoform disorders. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 38(4), 441-450.
</references>
== '''Further reading''' ==
* Asmundson, G. J. G., Taylor, S., & Cox, B. J. (Eds.). (2001). Health anxiety: Clinical and research perspectives on hypochondriasis and related conditions. John Wiley & Sons.
* Barsky, A. J., & Klerman, G. L. (1983). Overview: hypochondriasis, bodily complaints, and somatic styles. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 140(3), 273-283.
* Kellner, R. (1985). Somatization and hypochondriasis. Praeger Publishers.
* Walker, J., Vincent, N., Furer, P., Cox, B., & Kjernisted, K. (1999). Treatment of health anxiety: A review and preliminary empirical investigation. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 6(1), 89-95.
== '''External links''' ==
== '''External links''' ==
* [https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/somatic-symptom-disorders/index.shtml National Institute of Mental Health: Somatic Symptom Disorders]
* [https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/somatic-symptom-disorders/index.shtml National Institute of Mental Health: Somatic Symptom Disorders]
* [https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/health-anxiety Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Health Anxiety]
* [https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/health-anxiety Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Health Anxiety]
* [https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/expert-opinion-health-anxiety/ International OCD Foundation: Expert Opinion on Health Anxiety]
* [https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/expert-opinion-health-anxiety/ International OCD Foundation: Expert Opinion on Health Anxiety]
{{stub}}
{{stub}}
[[Category:Mental illnesses]]
[[Category:Mental illnesses]]
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[[Category:Psychopathological syndromes]]
[[Category:Psychopathological syndromes]]
[[Category:Somatic symptom disorders]]
[[Category:Somatic symptom disorders]]
<gallery>
File:Le Malade imaginaire.jpg|Hypochondriasis
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 21:12, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Hypochondriasis
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Excessive worry about having a serious illness
Complications Anxiety, depression
Onset Any age, but often early adulthood
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Unknown, possibly psychological, biological, or environmental factors
Risks Family history, stress, major life changes
Diagnosis Based on clinical assessment
Differential diagnosis Somatic symptom disorder, illness anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder
Prevention N/A
Treatment Cognitive behavioral therapy, medication
Medication N/A
Prognosis Varies; can be chronic
Frequency Unknown, but estimated to affect 1-5% of the population
Deaths N/A


Hypochondriasis, more commonly known as hypochondria, is a condition characterized by excessive worry about having an illness despite the absence of any real medical condition. Individuals with hypochondria experience inaccurate perceptions of their human body and become unduly alarmed by even the slightest physical symptom. They are convinced that they are about to become sick or have health problems, often causing significant distress and functional impairment.

Signs and symptoms[edit]

Hypochondria can manifest with a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Persistent fears of having a serious medical condition, despite negative test results and reassurances from healthcare professionals
  • Misinterpreting normal bodily sensations as signs of illness
  • Preoccupation with bodily functions and symptoms
  • Frequent medical appointments and seeking reassurance from healthcare professionals
  • Excessive self-examination and self-diagnosis
  • Avoidance of situations or activities believed to cause illness or exacerbate symptoms

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of hypochondria is unknown, but it is likely influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some potential contributors to the development of hypochondria include:

  • Family history of hypochondria or anxiety disorders
  • History of childhood abuse or neglect
  • Personality traits, such as neuroticism or perfectionism
  • Excessive exposure to medical information, such as through the internet or media
  • Having a serious illness in the past or witnessing a loved one experience a severe illness

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of hypochondria is typically made by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, after ruling out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms. The diagnostic criteria for hypochondria, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), include:

  • Preoccupation with having a serious illness, based on the misinterpretation of bodily sensations
  • Persistent worry despite appropriate medical evaluation and reassurance
  • Significant distress or functional impairment caused by the worry
  • Symptoms not better explained by another mental disorder

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for hypochondria often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. The primary goal of treatment is to help individuals manage their anxiety and reduce their preoccupation with perceived health problems. Some common treatment approaches include:

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for individuals with hypochondria varies. Some individuals may experience a complete resolution of symptoms with appropriate treatment, while others may have chronic or episodic symptoms throughout their lives. Early intervention and adherence to a comprehensive treatment plan can improve the overall prognosis for individuals with hypochondria.

See also[edit]

External links[edit]

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Defence mechanisms
Level 1: Pathological
Level 2: Immature
Level 3: Neurotic
Level 4: Mature
Other



Obsessive–compulsive disorder
History
Biology
Symptoms
Spectrum
Treatment
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