Hypochondria
Dana Caldarelli-4
Definition
obsesses with the fact or idea that you have a serious or life-threatening disease that hasn't been diagnosed yet.
causes
Its unclear why some people are overwhelmed by the misguided perception that they have a major, undiagnosed health issue. its thought that personality, life experiences, upbringing and inherited traits may all play a role.
symptoms
- long term intense fear or anxiety.
- frequently switching doctors.
- continuously talking about your symptoms
obsessively doing health research
- frequently checking your body for problems.
background
hypochondria is a difficult and very complex psychiatric disorder to treat in the general medical setting.
hypochondria demands biopsychosocial treatment planning by a team that includes primary care physicians, subspecialists, and mental health professionals.
age/gender specific
hypochondria can start as early as 5 and carry on from there. prevalence of hypochondria ranges 4 to 7 percent in the general population, affects both men and women.
treatments and medications
- psychological counseling
- psychoeducation
- certain medications such as antidepressants