Hypochondria
Or is the illness just Hypochondria itself?
What is Hypochondria?
Hypochondria is a disease in which a person has excessive and unrealistic worries about their health. This person can be called a Hypochondriac. Hypochondriacs believe they have a disease even after medical tests show they don't. This can cause great distress. Hypochondriacs are not lying about their symptoms, they truly believe they are sick.
Causes
Common causes are history of sexual abuse, history of having a serious illnesses as a child, poor ability to express emotions, parent or close relative suffers from Hypochondria, inherited susceptibility for the disorder, and children might also learn this behavior if parents are over concerned or if they over react about diseases.
Symptoms that Hypochondriacs Experience
Symptoms Hypochondriacs complain of are pain, tiredness, concerns about normal body functions, and worry about breathing or stomach noises.
Age or Gender Specific?
Most people are diagnosed with Hypochondria in early adulthood, although it van be found at any age. It affects men and woman the same.
Treatments and Medications
Hypochondria is very difficult to treat, but treatment is possible. Examples of treatment are supportive care and psychotherapy. It is important that the trusted medical professional stays in touch with the patient, and observes their behavior very closely. It is also critical to support and reassure the person, prevent any unnecessary tests or procedures, and help the person live as normally and comfortably as possible. Although you may try to change their thinking or behavior related to their symptoms through psychotherapy, some symptoms must be treated. Common medications used are antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs.
Background of Hypochondria
Hypochondria was noticed since the days of the Roman physician, Galen (130-200 A.D.) It is described under the term Hypochondrial melancholy . This was the doing of the great 16th century scholar, Robert Burton. Studies show hypochondria affects 3% of the world population. It is nicknamed the "white coat syndrome".
Need help? Contact one of these sources.
N.A.M.I.- National Alliance on Mental Illness
(800)-950-6264 http://www.namitexas.org
Clara Martin Center
(802) 728-4466 http://www.claramartin.org/
HowardCenter
(802) 488-6000 http://www.howardcenter.org/