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Alternative names
HypochondriasisDefinition Return to top
Hypochondria is a belief that real or imagined physical symptoms are signs of a serious illness, despite medical reassurance and other evidence to the contrary.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
A person suffering from hypochondria is preoccupied with physical health and has an unrealistic fear of serious disease well out of proportion to the actual risk. There is no specific cause of hypochondria, and it occurs in men and women with equal frequency.
Symptoms Return to top
The affected person may recognize that the fear of having a serious disease may be excessive, unreasonable, or unfounded.
Signs and tests Return to top
A physical examination should be performed to rule out an underlying organic disease. A psychological evaluation should be performed to rule out other related disorders.
Treatment Return to top
A supportive relationship with a health care provider is the mainstay of treatment. There should be one primary provider to avoid unnecessary diagnostic tests and procedures.
The health care provider should inform the person that no organic disease is present, but that continued medical follow-up will help control the symptoms. The person with hypochondria feels real distress, so the symptoms should not be denied or challenged by others.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Generally, the disorder is chronic (lasts for a long time) unless the psychological factors or any related underlying mood disorder are addressed.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you or your child has symptoms of hypochondria.
Update Date: 1/25/2003 Updated by: David Taylor, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |