Q: I am always worried about my health, and my family accuses me of being a hypochondriac. Is that an actual diagnosis, and is there treatment for that?
A: Hypochondriasis is considered to be a somatoform disorder, which is a fancy name for saying a person has physical symptoms that are suggestive of a physical disorder.
A "hypochondriac" is a person who suffers from hypochondriasis, and refers to a person who is preoccupied with physical symptoms and medical problems and has consistent, unrealistic fears that they have a serious illness. For instance, a person who is a hypochondriac may experience one or two heart palpitations (a common, occasional experience for many people) and then jump to the conclusion that they are having a serious heart problem and be preoccupied with this fear. The same person may develop a typical "cold" virus but become convinced that they have contracted a serious illness.
A person is only a true hypochondriac, however, if a complete physical examination by his or her physician does not reveal a diagnosis or physical explanation for the person's complaints. A physician's exam is necessary because, of course, heart palpitations and viruses and many other symptoms and conditions can be serious and suggestive of underlying disease for some people.
But It Really Hurts
People who are hypochondriacs usually have some awareness that they are preoccupied with their health and that there may in fact be nothing wrong with them, but their fears still persist. This combination of having fears and preoccupation with physical symptoms despite being well, and despite being reassured by their doctor, must persist for at least six months for a person to be formally diagnosed as a hypochondriac.
There is no exact, recognized cause for hypochondriasis but the disorder may relate to a person's unmet psychological needs or fears. A person with hypochondriasis is often helped by consistent and persistent reassurance from an involved physician. Gaining insight about their fears and concerns through psychotherapy or "talk therapy" is also effective for some hypochondriacs. It is not unusual for some people with hypochondriasis to also suffer from depression and/or anxiety.
It is very important that people not jump to the conclusion that, just because someone frequently complains about multiple health symptoms, they are a hypochondriac. Many people who have been called hypochondriacs have had real physical problems or medical conditions that needed physical attention and treatment. A true hypochondriac is a person who meets the criteria above.
If you are having health problems or fears about your health, it is important that you go and see your physician. Your physician can listen to your concerns, take a complete medical history, and do an examination to see if there is a physical explanation for your concerns. |
