Hypochondriasis

Hypochondriasis is a disorder in which a person is preoccupied with the fear of having a serious disease.

Hypochondriasis occurs most commonly between the ages of 20 and 30 and appears to affect both sexes equally. Some people with hypochondriasis also have depression or anxiety.

In hypochondriasis, the person's concerns about having a serious disease are often based on a misinterpretation of normal bodily functions. Examination and reassurance by a doctor do not relieve their concerns; people with hypochondriasis tend to believe that the doctor has somehow failed to find the underlying disease.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Hypochondriasis is suspected when a healthy person with minor symptoms is preoccupied with the significance of those symptoms and does not respond to reassurance after thorough evaluation. Personal relationships and work performance often suffer as the person becomes increasingly concerned with health issues. The diagnosis of hypochondriasis is confirmed when the situation persists for at least 6 months and the person's symptoms cannot be attributed to depression or another mental health disorder.

Treatment

Treatment is difficult, because a person with hypochondriasis is convinced that something inside the body is seriously wrong. Reassurance does not relieve these concerns. However, a trusting relationship with a caring doctor is beneficial, especially if regular visits are scheduled. If the person's symptoms are not adequately relieved, the person may benefit from referral to a therapist for further evaluation and treatment, along with continuation of the primary doctor's care. Treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a class of antidepressants, may be effective. Cognitive-behavior therapy may also relieve symptoms.