Hypochondriasis

Hypochondriasis, also known as Illness Anxiety Disorder, is a type of anxiety disorder where the patient shows excessive worrying with regards to being sick, without physical symptoms. The patient may believe that they have a severe underlying illness even if they experience normal to mild bodily sensations.  

Symptoms: 

• Always worrying about having a disease or severe health condition 
• Worrying that minor symptoms are indications of a severe health problem 
• Easily concerned about health status 
• Still having a lot of doubts even after doctor visits 
• Worrying excessively about a specific condition because it runs in the family 

• Distress and worrying affects daily functioning  
• Frequent medical visits to get reassurance from the doctor 
• Avoidance of people or places for fear of health risks  
• Constantly talking about health or possible illnesses  

Causes: 

• Family history of severe illnesses 
• Parental influence – parents could have been very health conscious  
• Past experiences – always falling sick as a child, end up worrying a lot about health in adulthood  

Risk Factors: 

• Stress 
• Threat of serious illness that was not actually severe 
• Childhood Trauma 
• Past experience of serious illnesses as a child or had a parent with serious illness 

• Neurotic personality trait  

Impact 

• Emotional distress 
• Financial burden due to frequent visits to the doctor and medical bills 

• Impact on daily functioning – inability to focus, consistent worrying 
• Stress on family or relationships due to excessive worrying 
• Comorbid with another mental health disorder e.g. Depression, Anxiety Disorder etc. 

Types of Treatment: 

• Anxiety medications 
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy  
• Relational Therapy