|
|
Hypochondriasis
|
|
-
Hypochondria is a mental disorder in which an individual believes that the physical symptoms he/she feels or imagines are due to an underlying serious medical illness, despite medical evidence to the contrary. Further, the patient may make up illnesses that do not even exist.
|
|
- The disorder lasts at least six months
- Tremendous fear of illness
- Symptoms may be vague or very specific
- Misinterpretation of symptoms (e.g., a simple rash may be perceived as cancer)
- Interferes with everyday life (occupational, social, and daily functioning)
- The preoccupation with illness in the Hypochondriac is not accounted for by other psychiatric illnesses (Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, psychosis, Panic Disorder, etc.).
- Presents itself in young adulthood or adolescence, and is as common in males as it is in females.
- The person may go from doctor to doctor trying to validate his/her belief that there is, in reality, an underlying illness.
- The persistence of Hypochondriacs will often lead to frequent and unnecessary medical diagnostic tests and procedures.
- No specific medical therapy is used -- if there is a predominance of certain symptoms such as Depression, Anxiety,
obsessive-compulsive symptoms, anger, or Insomnia,
then medication for the particular symptom is often prescribed. Narcotics and other addictive medications should be given judiciously and only when needed.
- Supportive psychotherapy and behavioral modification should be part of the treatment plan for severe cases.
|
| | |
If you want your friend to read or know about this article, Click here
|
|
|