what are the symptoms of Hypochondriac and how to treat it?

Answer 1

I'm still looking for a good definition for you, but I guess I'll go ahead with my own words. A hypochondriac is someone who is obsessed with their own physical body and imagines each little thing that is happening points to a severe medical disorder - like heart problems or cancer. A tiny pain or discomfort gets blown up out of all proportion into a major disease or life-threatening condition. These people have an anxiety disorder that is focused on health. This is a serious psychiatric disorder that should be treated, and not a joke.

According to the Mayo Clinic (very reputable organization!):
"Although the cause of hypochondria remains unknown, some factors seem to increase the risk of developing the condition, including:

Having a serious illness in childhood
Knowing family members or others with a serious disease
The death of a loved one
Having an anxiety disorder
A rigid belief that being in good health means that you are free of all physical symptoms or sensations
Having close family members with hypochondria
Feeling especially vulnerable to illness or disease
"Although the cause of hypochondria remains unknown, some factors seem to increase the risk of developing the condition, including:

Having a serious illness in childhood
Knowing family members or others with a serious disease
The death of a loved one
Having an anxiety disorder
A rigid belief that being in good health means that you are free of all physical symptoms or sensations
Having close family members with hypochondria
Feeling especially vulnerable to illness or disease.

According to the Mayo Clinic these factors add to the risk of having hypochondria:
"Having a serious illness in childhood
Knowing family members or others with a serious disease
The death of a loved one
Having an anxiety disorder
A rigid belief that being in good health means that you are free of all physical symptoms or sensations
Having close family members with hypochondria
Feeling especially vulnerable to illness or disease"


"Hypochondria treatment typically includes:

Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is the primary treatment for hypochondria. Some research shows that a form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavior therapy is most effective for hypochondria. This form of psychotherapy helps you recognize and understand false beliefs driving your health anxiety. It also helps you learn to stop behavior associated with your anxiety, such as constantly monitoring your body for problems, a behavior known as body vigilance. Cognitive behavior therapy may also include exposure therapy, in which you directly confront your fears in a safe environment and learn skills to cope with these uncomfortable sensations.
Medications. Certain antidepressant medications may be helpful in treating hypochondria. Some research indicates that both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may help relieve such symptoms as anxiety, fear of disease and somatic problems. However, these medications can cause side effects that may actually increase your health anxiety because you may wind up attributing them to a serious physical problem."