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Hypochondria (or hypochondriasis, sometimes referred to as health anxiety or health phobia) is a somatoform disorder in which one has the unfounded belief that he or she is suffering from a serious illness. Hypochondria is often characterized by irrational fears of being diseased/dying, obsessions over minor bodily symptoms or imperfections, doubt and disbelief in doctors' diagnosis, constant self-examination and self-diagnosis and preoccupation with one's body. Hypochondriacs often require constant reassurance, sometimes from multiple doctors, family and friends.

Hypochondria is often associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety, and can also be brought on by stress.

The term hypochondria comes from the Greek hypo- (below) and chondros (cartilage - of the breast bone). The term was originally used to describe unidentifiable stomach pains. It was thought by ancient Greek physicians that such pains were caused by the movement of the spleen, an organ located near the hypochondrium (the upper region of the abdomen just below the ribs on either side of the epigastrium).

During the 19th century the term evolved to be the male counterpart to hysteria.

There is some evidence that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and antidepressants can alleviate severe hypochondria.

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Tips for hypochondriacs
Sufferers of hypochondria may benefit from one or more of the following exercises:

Keeping a journal describing what led to the anxiety attacks or panic
Talking with friends or family members, and taking a different perspective on the symptoms
Tracking the triggering factors of anxiety, and avoiding them (e.g. self-diagnosis, reading about symptoms)
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and positive outlook
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Factors contributing to hypochondria
Media and the Internet often contribute to hypochondria, as articles, TV shows and advertisements regarding serious illnesses such as cancer and multiple sclerosis (some of the common diseases hypochondriacs think they have) often portray these diseases as being random, obscure and somewhat inevitable. This only allows the hypochondriac to reinforce the idea that they actually have that illness.

It is not uncommon that deaths in family members or friends can trigger hypochondria in certain individuals. Major outbreaks or predicted pandemics can also contribute to hypochondria. Statistics regarding certain illnesses such as cancer will give hypochondriacs the illusion that they are more likely to develop the disease

2006-06-13 09:09:53 · answer #1 · answered by Linda 7 · 3 0

Well, my mum had had ulcer, gall bladder eliminated, tuberculosis and arthritis by the point she was once fifty five. She now has diabetes and IBS too. Unfortunately, many folks are in poor health by way of their 50s now on the grounds that of deficient diets and pressure. Her courting together with your step dad would be a purpose for pressure and she or he could also be projecting her vigor into convincing herself that she is in poor health once more in order that she does now not ought to face disorders out of your step dad or to get awareness from him. However, I could now not be too rapid to anticipate as you're now not her and also you have no idea how she feels. My mom was once satisfied she had tuberculosis while she was once pregnant with me and no person believed her. She knew she had ulcer and the stones in her gall bladder. Again, no person believed her a good the household health care professional placed it right down to indigestion. I gave her the advantage of the doubt and took her to A&E and she or he did have gall stones! A couple of years in the past, she notion she had diabetes.The household medical professionals did not feel it till the sanatorium checked it out and her blood sugar was once at a damaging 30! The pleasant factor you'll do is to supply her a sympathetic ear, even though you do not feel that she has those ailments. She demands a type ear that is all. God forbid that she does have melanoma. But she is going to then recognize that if she ever did have it you could be there by way of her part.

2016-09-09 00:59:22 · answer #2 · answered by vanderbilt 4 · 0 0

just agree with them and give them the cure all pill = placebo

2006-06-13 09:01:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Yep, take a deep breath and smoke some weed.

2006-06-13 09:00:35 · answer #4 · answered by bigrock45 2 · 0 0

One word: placebo.

2006-06-13 08:59:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

sugar pills (or sleeping pills :P)

2006-06-13 09:59:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

hypnotism

2006-06-13 09:01:24 · answer #7 · answered by Ben 621 1 · 0 0

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