L’hypochondriaalso known as illness anxiety or pathophobia, represents a type of anxiety disorder that can have a significant impact on daily life. This disorder is characterized by excessive and unjustified concern about one’s health, with the persistent belief that any symptom may indicate a serious illness.
What is Hypochondria and the Hypochondriac Profile
Hypochondria, from late Latin hypochondria, was initially associated with discomfort located in the abdomen, but today includes widespread concern about physical and mental health. A hypochondriac individual is so worried about being sick or getting sick that this anxiety interferes with social relationships, work, and daily life.
Symptoms and Manifestations of Hypochondria
Symptoms of hypochondriasis reflect ongoing health concern and include:
- Continuously look for physical or mental signs of illness.
- Exaggeration of symptoms and their severity.
- Obsessive consultation of online health information.
- Frequent medical consultations and frequent changes of doctor.
- Constant need for health reassurance.
Causes and Risk Factors
The precise causes of hypochondria are not fully understood, but some risk factors include:
- Past traumatic experiences.
- Significant stress or bereavement.
- Pre-existing mental health problems.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Illness Anxiety
The diagnosis of illness anxiety disorder is based on DSM-5 criteria, which include persistent worry about health and excessive use of medical care. The primary treatment for hypochondriasis is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to change dysfunctional beliefs about health.
Conclusions on Illness Anxiety
Illness anxiety can have a significant impact on your quality of life, but with the right treatment, significant improvements can be achieved. It is important to recognize the symptoms and seek support from qualified professionals to effectively manage this disorder.
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