Hypochondria, also known as ‘health anxiety,’ is not just a casual concern about one’s health. It’s a type of anxiety disorder that can significantly disrupt daily life. Individuals with hypochondria excessively worry about developing a severe illness, even with mild symptoms. This intense anxiety can make it challenging to carry out daily tasks.
What Causes Hypochondria?
It is unclear why some people develop hypochondria. Several factors are likely involved, including:
• A family history of anxiety disorders
• Early experiences of stress or illness
• Early experiences of violence or trauma
• Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or psychotic disorders
Specific activities may trigger episodes of anxiety in individuals with hypochondria, including:
• Reading about diseases online
• Watching television shows that contain information about serious illnesses
• Meeting someone with a severe medical condition
What Are the Symptoms of Hypochondria?
Symptoms of hypochondria can include obsessive thoughts and behaviours:
• Excessive worry about serious illnesses
• Frequent visits to the doctor and doubt about being healthy
• Undergoing numerous medical tests
• Spending a lot of time online researching symptoms
Social and emotional symptoms include:
• Frequently discussing health concerns with friends and family
• Difficulty sleeping
• Family, work, and social issues due to health-related anxiety
There are several effective treatment methods for hypochondria:
There are several effective treatment methods for hypochondria, each offering a ray of hope:
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy – Involves teaching techniques for replacing irrational thoughts with rational ones and changing behaviour, led by a counsellor or psychologist. This therapy offers a ray of hope, helping individuals with hypochondria to identify and challenge their irrational health-related thoughts and to change their behaviours that reinforce these thoughts, such as excessive reassurance-seeking or frequent doctor visits. It’s a path towards relief and a brighter future.
• Treatment with medication, as prescribed by a psychiatrist, to reduce anxiety.