What is Hypochondria? Definition
«Hypochondriasis, hypochondria, and sometimes referred to as health phobia or health anxiety refers to an excessive preoccupation or worry about having a serious illness. An individual suffering from hypochondriasis is known as a hypochondriac. Often, hypochondria persists even after a physician has evaluated a person and reassured them that their concerns about symptoms do not have an underlying medical basis or, if there is a medical illness, the concerns are far in excess of what is appropriate for the level of disease. Many hypochondriacs focus on a particular symptom as the catalyst of their worrying, such as gastro-intestinal problems, palpitations, or muscle fatigue.»
Definition from http://en.wikipedia.org
People with this disorder in most cases believe that even safe physical symptoms indicate that they suffer a serious illness. They can not appease or doctor or any medical tests, which indicate that they are perfectly healthy. In addition, they change doctors, have a variety of studies to determine the diagnosis.
Despite the fact that such behavior is often a cause for ridicule and criticism, in fact, this severe form of anxiety about their own health deserves medical attention. This is a serious mental disorder that can completely change a person’s life and even make a person disabled.
Unfortunately, despite this, people with this disorder often do not recognize that they suffer from mental illness and refuse to refer to a psychiatrist. However, modern research has shown that psychotherapy can be very effective in treating hypochondria, often freeing man from his anxiety for his health, and teaches him to overcome his fear and discomfort.
Hypochondria can occur at any time of life, but most often occurs in early childhood. It equally affects both men and women.
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