Hypochondria
By Jasmyn Sloan
What is Hypochondria?
Hypochondria is an extreme obsession with the idea that you have a serious or life-threatening condition
Symptoms:
-Long-term or intense fear about having a serious condition
-Frequently switching doctors
-Frequently checking your vitals
-Thinking you have a disease after reading or hearing about it
What causes hypochondria?
Hypochondria has no known cause. It occurs equally in men and women. It's more likely to occur in those who had a serious illness in childhood, have an anxiety disorder, or have family members with hypochondria. It's thought that personality, life experiences, upbringing, and inherited traits may play a role.
diagnosis/prognosis
Those with hypochondria may have difficulty in their social life, work, or daily routines. However, the psychological factors and mood/anxiety disorders associated with hypochondria can be treated with antidepressants. Talk therapy may also help.