Hypochondria

Christopher Hobbs:

“Hypochondria is an abnormal preoccupation with one’s health, even to the point of creating the very illness one is worried about. It can be accompanied by depression and anxiety. Spiritual and emotional counseling is often valuable.”

Etiologic Factors:

1. Genetics: A family history of anxiety disorders or illness anxiety may increase the risk.
2. Psychological Factors: People with high levels of anxiety or those with a tendency toward negative thinking may be more prone to developing this disorder.
3. Traumatic or Stressful Life Events: Personal experiences with illness, especially serious health events, can trigger health anxiety.
4. Excessive Health-Related Information: Constant exposure to health information (e.g., through the internet) can heighten worry about health.
5. Past Experiences: Previous illness or chronic health conditions can make individuals overly cautious or fearful of further health problems.

Signs to Seek Professional Help:

• Persistent Worry: Excessive focus on one’s health, even when tests or evaluations are normal.
• Impact on Daily Life: The anxiety disrupts work, relationships, or social activities.
• Physical Symptoms: A significant amount of time spent seeking medical attention or checking for symptoms.
• Difficulty Relinquishing Health Concerns: Despite reassurance from medical professionals, the fear persists.
• Associated Mental Health Conditions: Co-occurring issues like depression, generalized anxiety disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).