Is it possible for someone to be sick in their brain but not necessarilly in the body? I have a couple friends that are always sick and they are always on their feet though! One has a constant dry cough and the other always needs to throw up or has a chest or headache. When you tell them something that may help them they say they already tried that and it doesn't help. So I was thinking maybe they were just hoping that someone would feel sorry for them!
2007-11-18 14:49:20 · 14 answers · asked by Runteldat 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Absolutely. There are a number of disorders in which psychological (mental) activities cause physical symptoms. These disorders are called somatoform disorders and include somatization disorder, conversion disorder, pain disorder, hypochondriasis, and body dysmorphic disorder. All of these conditions cause physical symptoms with no physical cause. There is also a condition called Münchausen Syndrome, in which a person basically fakes an illness or symptoms to get attention from friends, family member and/or doctors.
2007-11-18 15:09:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe that you can make yourself sick just by thinking about it all the time. My uncle felt like he had a mild stroke and a seizure a month ago and we had to take him to the emergency room. Hours later we found out it was actually an anxiety attack and not a seizure or mild stroke at all. So I guess you can say it was all in his mind. By the way, he is always worrying about his health for no reason eventhough he is in perfect health. I think he just wants pity and attention sometimes. lol.
2007-11-18 21:35:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be. Some people mentally want to be sick because they enjoy that kind of attention. Also there are many doctors that don't run tests to diagnose a disease, but just take what the patient says as proof and write a prescription.
2007-11-18 14:53:57 · answer #3 · answered by twincrier 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have known people like this. Sometimes I think they are using illness to avoid stressful situations. A defensive mechanism if you will. It's hard to sometimes look at life square in the eyes.
2007-11-18 15:17:33 · answer #4 · answered by lenzix5 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My suggestion would be for them to see a General Practitioner before going to a Psychiatrist(MD) or a Psychologist. It's called eliminating the most obvious.
2007-11-18 15:49:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't like "the only" answer. Many have chronic ailments they can't find cause or cure for.
WebMD has great info
Yes to your ? because placebo effects can be so effective.
They more likely want someone to understand they could be better if they felt better. I've heard that many times.
2007-11-18 15:03:59 · answer #6 · answered by Nice one 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's possible. Would stop trying to help them, as you have found, they won't listen. Most people who are really ill, find the help they need in short order. Those who don't, get something out of appearing sick, and they like it that way.
2007-11-18 14:53:20 · answer #7 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I believe people can make their selves sick.And if they have been doing it for a long time,they probably don't even notice that it is only in their heads.It is my beliefs that mind over matter.The mind can be very dangerous if not use w/ caution.
2007-11-18 15:02:10 · answer #8 · answered by ms.mo327 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, some illness are psychosomatic but only a doctor can tell whether a person is malingering or not.
2007-11-18 14:54:48 · answer #9 · answered by Mel Bel 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, illness can be all in your mind. It can also be stress. I see so many people ill from stress these days.
2007-11-18 15:45:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋