Hypochondriasis
is a disorder in which a person experiences unnecessary worry, fear and anxiety
about their own health. People with
hypochondriasis are very worried about getting a disease, even after medical
tests show they do not. Furthermore, these people often misinterpret minor
health problems or normal body functions as symptoms of a serious disease. An
example is a person who is sure that his or her back pain is caused by a spinal
tumour OR excessive daily work.
Fact is
nobody knows exactly for sure what causes hypochondriasis. Researchers believe
the problem could originate in the affected person’s belief that they deserve
illness because of some wrongdoing in the past. Perhaps they have guilty
conscience for some reason, and believe that “karma” has come around to them.
Another theory is that the hypochondriac has learned benefits of being sick,
such as getting extra attention.
Warning signs:
1.
Continuously
doing health research.
2.
Worry of
illness for at least six months.
3.
Confusing
normal bodily sensations as a serious problem.
4.
Tension and
stress in daily life.
5.
Continuously
talking about symptoms of suspected diseases with others.
6.
Thinking of a
disease after reading or hearing about it (TV/RADIO/INTERNET).
7.
Seeing
doctors repeated times.
8.
Continual
fear even with doctor’s reassurance.
9.
Frequently
switching doctors, if one doctor says that you aren’t sick, he / she may not
believe it and seek out other opinions.
Hypochondria
are also sometimes a result of other psychological illnesses such as
depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In other cases, it may
occur after a stressful or traumatic event, or sometimes in people with a
family history of hypochondriasis.
Cyberchondria:
Is a colloquial term used to describe the
hypochondria that results from people self-diagnosing via reading articles on the
Internet. The media can contribute with television shows depicting strange
illnesses, or after major outbreaks of diseases or illnesses are constantly
reported in the news.
How is hypochondriasis treated?
Because hypochondria
is a psychological condition, it is important to seek out professional help
from a therapist. People who have had many doctor visits with no findings of
any malignant symptoms may want to consider that they are, in fact, a
hypochondriac. This term is used loosely among friends and family members, but
hypochondria is a real disorder that interferes with daily life that should be
properly treated by a professional. Treatment for hypochondria includes:
1.
Psychotherapy.
2.
Behavioural
therapy.
3.
Stress
management support.
4.
Medication (Medication
can help also if the hypochondria is a result of another issue like depression)
Few things to feel better:
First, a trained
professional can help get to the bottom of what’s causing the fear and anxiety
about the health. With proper support, patient can begin to feel unburdened by
worry, and go on to live a fully functional, productive life. Because a
hypochondriac is constantly worried about their physical health, it’s best to
stay as physically healthy as possible. Consuming
a healthy, nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and getting the right
vitamins and minerals needed for the age, gender and activity level is also
very important.
Complications of hypochondriasis:
A person
with hypochondriasis is at risk for repeated episodes of symptoms. He or she
also might suffer from reactions or health problems related to multiple tests,
procedures, and treatments. In addition to the pain and frustration this
disorder often causes to the person and his or her family, repeated episodes
also can lead to unnecessary and risky procedures, as well as high medical
bills.
Outlook for people with hypochondriasis:
Hypochondriasis
tends to be a long-term (chronic) condition that can last for years. In many
cases, symptoms can recur. In the past, we believed only a small percentage of
patients could recover completely. The focus of treatment was on learning to
manage and control symptoms, and on minimizing functional problems associated
with the disorder.
In order to successfully recover, it’s also
necessary for the patient to maintain a healthy, beneficial relationship with
their regular health care provider. This relationship should be supportive,
not judgmental, and dependable. Make sure to keep a doctor that patient
trust, and that is willing to also work with your psychological therapist.
Remember, once patient gets help, he/she won’t have to live in fear any more.
|
Dr. Imtiaz Syed, M.B, B.S, MBA, CRA, PCQI, CPC
LinkedIn:
http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/imtiaz-syed/13/89/841
Redditch, Gloucestershire. UK.
Written by Unknown
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