This imaginary fear gradually conditions the entire existence of the affected subject, from the working sphere to social / emotional relationships; even, in the most serious cases, it leads to the improper intake of drugs, depression, a sense of frustration, etc.
Healing from hypochondria is difficult, since, in addition to adequate treatment, the patient must be convinced that he is suffering from a mental disorder and, consequently, that he needs therapeutic support.
(or "anxiety disorders"), so much so that hypochondriacs often show symptoms comparable to those experienced by anxious people.
Anxiety disorders are at the origin of a sense of unease, similar to fear or worry, with uncontrollable and long-lasting connotations.
Confirming its analogies with anxiety disorders, hypochondria is also called health anxiety or health anxiety disorder.
Did you know that ...
The list of anxiety disorders includes conditions such as, for example, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic, post-traumatic stress disorder and specific phobia.
Epidemiology
Incidence. The exact number of hypochondriacs in Italy is unknown. In fact, the data on the incidence of the disease are vague and probably underestimated (we are talking about 1-5% of the population, but further and more in-depth studies are needed).
Sex. Hypochondria can affect anyone, regardless of sex.
Age. Although hypochondria can also affect young individuals, most hypochondriacs are of adulthood.
, echocardiograms, exploratory surgeries, etc.), to contact different doctors for the same problem, to continuously measure the vital signs (pulse or blood pressure) and to divert the theme of each speech towards their phantom disorders.
So, in their spare time, they go to medical encyclopedias and medical websites, looking for information and wondering what the symptom might mean; many times, during these researches, they read about a serious pathology and are convinced that they are suffering from it.
Finally, they assume completely abnormal habits, such as frequently changing the referring doctor, staying close to a hospital even in the most unthinkable hours (so as to be able to reach it more quickly if they feel some pain or imaginary discomfort) and call their doctor. base even late at night.
Symptoms of Hypochondria in Brief
Summarizing, therefore, the classic symptoms of hypochondria are:
- Unmotivated fear of having some serious illness;
- Conviction that every little discomfort / discomfort felt is due to a serious illness;
- Book visits after visits and periodically undergo magnetic resonances, echocardiograms, etc .;
- Periodically change the referring physician;
- Talk to relatives and friends only and exclusively about the imaginary ailments that you believe you have;
- Do continuous research on serious diseases, both on the internet and in printed texts;
- Continuously measure your pulse and blood pressure;
- Read about a serious illness and convince yourself that it is the ailment you suffer from.
Does worrying about your health mean being hypochondriac?
Worrying about your health and asking a doctor what the disorder may mean does not necessarily mean being hypochondriac. Indeed, it is normal and more than justifiable behavior.
In the same way, going to inquire about the possible origins of a perceived symptom is not always synonymous with obsession, but can be simple curiosity and desire to understand.
Important!
Taking care of your state of health, as well as periodically undergoing certain diagnostic tests (for example, mammography for women), are responsible behaviors and should not be considered episodes of hypochondria at all.
When and who to ask for help?
Hypochondriacs, if they are aware of their mental disorders, must find the courage to turn to and entrust themselves, without any shame, to the care of a psychiatrist or a psychologist.
If, on the other hand, they are not aware of their problems and are convinced that every feeling they feel is true, they need help from relatives, friends or family doctor.
Complications
Hypochondria can become an overwhelming and disabling psychic disorder, as the non-existent and unfounded obsessions that characterize it strongly condition the lives of those affected.
The most serious hypochondriacs have problems in the workplace (because they are often absent), difficulties in relating to others (because they only talk about their imaginary illnesses), strained relationships with their doctor and serious financial problems (due to the costs of countless examinations doctors).
Furthermore, their condition can lead to:
- Improper and dangerous use of drugs;
- Frustration and irritability;
- Depression;
- Anxiety Disorders;
- Drug use, due to depression.
In the presence of suspected hypochondria, physical evaluation serves to ascertain that the patient is healthy, despite the numerous symptoms exhibited; in other words, it represents the way in which the doctor makes sure that there are no significant physical pathologies (eg: a tumor), for which treatment is needed.
It is important to point out that laboratory tests, in particular toxicological tests and blood tests, also have another purpose: they allow us to establish whether the suspected patient makes an improper use of drugs (remember that this eventuality falls within the possible complications of "hypochondria).
(*) N.B: for everything concerning the clinical history, the doctor often also questions the relatives of the suspected patient, in order to have a more than reliable picture of the situation.
Psychological Counseling
Psychological counseling is the responsibility of a psychiatrist or psychologist and includes:
- A psychological assessment, which involves questions about stressful situations, symptoms, family history, current and past concerns, etc .;
- A "psychological self-assessment, often combined with a specific questionnaire;
- A "survey to clarify whether the patient uses drugs, alcohol or other substances.
Criteria for the Diagnosis of Hypochondria
According to the American Psychiatric Association, the presence of hypochondria marks the persistence of more than 6 months of:
- An "excessive worry about having a serious illness;
- Believing that you are suffering from a disease on the basis of an "erroneous and completely personal interpretation of some symptoms or presumed such;
- An "excessive concern for trivial medical conditions in place;
- Unreasonable health-related behaviors, such as:
- Undergo continuous medical examinations, even when these have amply demonstrated the absence of a pathological state;
- Do continuous online research on diseases and symptoms;
- Periodically change the referring physician.
It is important to remember that hypochondria is no longer present in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).
In the old edition of this reference text for experts in mental disorders, a series of criteria were reported that were used to diagnose hypochondria; these criteria were:
- Worry or belief, based on a "misinterpretation of some bodily symptoms, that you have a serious illness;
- Persistence of this concern or belief, despite the successful outcome of the medical tests carried out and the reassuring opinion of the doctor;
- The above concern / belief is not related to the delusional disorder and is limited to something related to the physical aspect (otherwise we would speak of dysmorphophobia);
- The above concern / conviction causes discomfort and conditions the social sphere and work activity;
- The aforementioned concern / belief must last for more than 6 months;
- The aforementioned concern is not better explained by other mental conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic, major depression and somatoform disorders.
For the success of the therapy, the collaboration of the patient is very important, who must be convinced that he suffers from a mental disorder.
Hypochondria and Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy for those with hypochondria includes:
- Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. Ideal for treating various mental disorders (not only hypochondria), its goal is to teach the patient to recognize unfounded worries and fears (in specialist jargon, "distorted thoughts") and not to be influenced by them. In other words , the patient is educated on how to identify the classic symptoms of hypochondria and how to best master them. Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy includes, in addition to a part "in the studio" with the psychotherapist, also "homework", the execution of which is essential for recovery. All the teachings acquired during the therapy are a precious baggage, which is good to carry around to avoid relapses.
- Psychoeducation. It consists in explaining to the patient and his family the main characteristics of the psychic disorder in progress and the best methods to heal. The family members are also given some advice on how it is best to behave towards their loved one.
Medicines for Hypochondria
The psychotropic drugs administered in case of hypochondria are the so-called antidepressants; among these drugs, the most used are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine and paroxetine, and tricyclic antidepressants, such as clomipramine and imipramine.
It should be noted that if the patient suffers from other associated mental disorders (anxiety disorders, etc.) or physical problems (for example due to improper use of drugs), the doctor may prescribe additional medicines.
What can help a hypochondriac overcome their disorder?
In order to improve their condition, hypochondriacs must:
- Collaborate with the psychotherapist and firmly believe in the advice of the latter.
- Give continuity to therapeutic treatments and believe in their effectiveness. Patients must overcome the temptation to abandon the therapeutic path undertaken and convince themselves that it is the right path to follow. In fact, it often happens that patients find it difficult to give continuity to treatment and give up prematurely.
- Learning about the disease. The knowledge of hypochondria (psychoeducation) allows the patient to better overcome the most difficult moments.
- Pay attention to what triggers fears and worries. Sometimes, the fears and worries of the hypochondriac are exacerbated in particular situations. It would be advisable for the patient to analyze what happens in such situations, looking for a possible triggering cause, to then report to his psychotherapist.
Attention: all this is possible only if the patient knows the characteristics of his disease and the ways to master it. - Keep active. Exercising, such as walking, swimming, running, gardening, etc., helps relieve the symptoms of hypochondria and its complications (depression, anxiety, frustration, irritability, etc.).
- Avoid the use of drugs and alcohol. Alcohol and drugs increase depression and anxiety. This is why it is good not to be tempted by the use and abuse of these substances.
- Create a good relationship with your primary care physician. Often, hypochondriacs have a bad relationship with the general practitioner, as they demand from the latter "continuous consultations, almost always for imaginary disorders, and the prescription of completely useless diagnostic tests. Also in this case, to know what this entails" hypochondria, helps the individual who suffers from it to better relate to doctors and to accept their refusal to book unnecessary visits and tests.
Hypochondria: other tips valid for the rest of your life
Since the risk of a relapse is more than real, individuals with a history of hypochondria must, for their own good, learn to control themselves and maintain certain behaviors.
First of all, they must reject every slightest temptation that pushes them to: change the referring doctor and do research (on the internet or in the various medical encyclopedias) on serious diseases.
Therefore, it is good that they stay away from TV shows (or magazines) telling of seriously ill people and that they avoid monitoring their pulse or blood pressure, even when the desire is strong.
Finally, if they feel they can't do it without "someone else's help", they can turn to some support group, created specifically for hypochondriacs and former hypochondriacs.
Summary of the advice that a person with a history of hypochondria should follow:
- Do not change the referring doctor, even if the temptation is strong
- Avoid researching serious illnesses on the internet or elsewhere
- Avoid watching TV shows or reading magazines about people with serious medical conditions
- Resist the urge to take your pulse or blood pressure. If absolutely necessary, contact your doctor and rely on him
- Ask family members for help if you have special fears or concerns
- Join a support group for hypochondriacs or individuals with a history of hypochondria.
Family Advice: How to Help a Hypochondriac
As stated several times, hypochondriacs tend to be unaware of their mental disorder, in the sense that they are firmly convinced that they are suffering from something and believe that their concerns are well founded.
In order to help these subjects, relatives or close friends must have a clear and honest dialogue with them, explaining what the real problem is.
A discreet approach is needed, because only in this way can they be encouraged to seek medical advice from a psychiatrist or psychologist.
