Concern for one’s health is an essential aspect of every individual’s life, fundamental for keeping fit and preventing the onset of diseases. However, there is a thin line between healthy vigilance and recurrent anxiety which becomes pervasive and becomes chronic until it leads to a real phobia of diseases, known as hypochondria, a psychological disorder characterized by a persistent fear of being affected by serious pathologies, even in the absence of concrete symptoms or medical confirmation.
What is hypochondria?
Hypochondria, officially recognized as illness anxiety disorder (Illness Anxiety Disorder – IAD), is a condition in which the individual is constantly tormented by the fear of being ill.
Fear can be triggered by any minimal pain or bodily change, which is perceived as an imminent threat, leading to dysfunctional behaviors aimed at seeking reassurance. People with hypochondriasis may spend a lot of time and resources searching for medical information online, compulsively consulting sites and forums in the hope of finding answers to their concerns, a behavior that further fuels anxiety, as the vast amount of data available online, moreover, without valid medical consultations, it can lead to erroneous and alarming conclusions.
The behaviors of hypochondriacs
Hypochondriacs tend to undergo frequent doctor visits and a multitude of diagnostic tests, even though previous results have been reassuring. This behavior, in addition to being wasteful in terms of time and money, can put a strain on the relationship with healthcare professionals, who often find themselves dealing with insistent requests and unfounded fears. As a result, hypochondriasis can have a significant impact on the sufferer’s quality of life, interfering with daily activities, interpersonal relationships and general well-being. The constant fear of getting sick makes it difficult to concentrate on work, enjoy moments of leisure and maintain peaceful emotional relationships.
Origins and definition of hypochondria
The term “hypochondria” derives from the Greek “hypokhondrios”, which means “under the costal cartilages”. In ancient Greece, it was believed that this condition was caused by an alteration of the organs located in the hypochondriac region, i.e. the upper part of the abdomen, below the ribs. This conception was based on the theory of humors, according to which an imbalance of body fluids would cause mental and physical disorders. Hypochondriacs tend to misinterpret common bodily sensations or slight anomalies as symptoms of serious pathologies, even in the absence of concrete medical evidence: a perceptual distortion that triggers a vicious cycle of anxiety and fear, trapping the person in a vortex of obsessive thoughts regarding own health.
How to recognize hypochondria
Distinguishing hypochondriasis from a normal health concern can be challenging, as the symptoms of this disorder can overlap with those of other psychological conditions.
For example, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) shares excessive health concern with hypochondriasis, but in GAD the anxieties tend to be more pervasive and not limited to this area.
Similarly, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can manifest itself with rituals similar to the compulsive behaviors of hypochondriasis, such as repetitive body checking, but in OCD the obsessions and compulsions cover a broader range of themes.
Hypochondriasis can also be confused with somatoform disorders, such as somatic symptom disorder, in which physical discomfort is predominant but has no clear medical basis. Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, can also cause excessive health concern, but they have distinctive symptoms such as depressed mood or manic episodes. It should be noted that, in some cases, hypochondriacal concerns may be triggered by an actual undiagnosed medical condition.
Main symptoms of hypochondria
Symptoms of hypochondriasis can vary, but often include a variety of physical and behavioral manifestations. Among the most common physical symptoms are pain or discomfort in various parts of the body, palpitations, dizziness, gastrointestinal disorders, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Symptoms can be real or perceived and are often the result of anxiety and stress related to worry about one’s health. We should note that such symptoms can also be present in many other medical or psychological conditions and their presence does not necessarily indicate hypochondriasis.
Hypochondriasis can also trigger panic attacks. Constant obsession with illnesses and misinterpretation of minor symptoms can lead to a state of chronic anxiety, increasing the risk of panic attacks. Behaviors associated with hypochondriasis reflect excessive and ongoing worry about one’s health, often leading to behaviors that may seem irrational to those who do not experience the same level of anxiety.
Behaviors related to hypochondriasis
Hypochondriacs constantly monitor their minor physical symptoms, misinterpret normal bodily sensations as signs of illness, make frequent doctor visits or request diagnostic tests, doubt doctors’ diagnoses and seek second opinions, avoid situations, places, or people for fear of contracting diseases , compulsively seek medical information online or in other texts, and constantly ask others for reassurance about their health. Such behaviors can significantly interfere with an individual’s daily life, making it difficult to maintain a normal routine.
Main causes of hypochondriac disorder
Hypochondria is a complex disorder that cannot be attributed to a single cause, but is rather the result of a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors. These include a genetic predisposition, traumatic health-related experiences in childhood, pre-existing anxiety disorders or depression, and stressful life events. These elements contribute to the development of the disorder, making some people more vulnerable to hypochondria than others.
Treat hypochondria with the help of a specialist
If you are constantly worried about your health and are afraid of suffering from hypochondria, seek help. A mental health professional can carefully evaluate your symptoms to distinguish hypochondriasis from other conditions and provide the most appropriate treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) are particularly effective in treating hypochondriasis, as they help change the dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors associated with the disorder.
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