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Introduction
Hypochondria is a strong belief of thepatient that physical symptoms experienced by him are signs of some seriousillness, even if there is no medical evidence to support the existence of suchdisease. People with hypochondria too focused on their physical health. Theyhave an unrealistic fear of serious illness. This condition also occurs in menand women equally.
People with hypochondria think about theirphysical symptoms in such a way that it makes more likely to have this condition.When these patients begins to focus and worry about their physical sensations,a series of symptoms and anxiety ensue that is hard to stop. It is vital torealize that people suffering from hypochondria do not intentionally causethese symptoms (malingering). In reality they are not able to control thesymptoms.
People who have a history of physical orsexual violence are more likely to suffer from hypochondria. However, this doesnot mean that every person with hypochondria has a history of abuse.
Hypochondria is a somatoform disorder. Disorders in thiscategory include those where the symptoms suggest a medical condition but whereno medical condition can be found by a physician. | |
| | Alternate Name
Hypochondriasis
Health anxiety
Health phobias | |