Symptoms of hypochondria

The main symptom of hypochondria is constant anxiety over some minor symptoms that are otherwise considered to be normal. The person who suffers from this disorder believes that these symptoms are a serious life threatening illness even though there is nothing physically wrong with them.

This disorder is often characterized by:

• irrational fears of being diseased or of dying,
• obsessions over minor bodily symptoms or imperfections,
• doubt and disbeliefs in doctors' diagnosis,                           
• constant self-examination
• self-diagnosis
• preoccupation with one's body
• misinterpretation of symptoms
• symptoms that may shift and change

The most common symptoms that hypochondriacs complain on:

• backache,
• neckache,
• upper abdominal pain,
• palpitations,
• breathlessness,
• faintness,
• fatigue,
• pain in the lower left and right side of the chest,
• kidney pain

Possible causes of hypochondria

Although there seem to be many factors that might play a role in the development of this disorder, no one knows exactly why someone develops hypochondria.

Researches have came to the conclusion that hypochondria usually begins in early adulthood. The symptoms may be triggered by:

• a serious illness in the patient or a loved one,
• the death of a close friend or relative
• periods of increased stress
• well-publicized disease in the media

Who is at risk of developing this disorder?

While there are many possible triggers for hypochondria, there are still some special personality traits and basic assumptions about health and illness which can make one more vulnerable.

There is no doubt that some people are more likely to develop hypochondria. These could be:

• neurotic
• self-critical
• introverted
• narcissistic

Researchers have came to the conclusion that people who think they have a specific inherited weakness, might also be quick to think the worst of any sensation involving that area.

Some experts also claim that people with hypochondria may have a lower threshold for pain tolerance and therefore notice internal sensations that other people may not feel.

Diagnosis of hypochondria

It is very easy to diagnose hypochondria. A simple physical examination should be performed to rule out an underlying organic disease. This should be followed with a psychological evaluation to rule out other related disorders. The patient should also be examined for a mood disorder, such as depression. If there are no underlying physical or psychological disorders, the doctor will conclude that the patient suffers from hypochondria.

Factors which are contributing to hypochondria

Media and the internet often contribute to hypochondria. They show serious illnesses such as cancer and multiple sclerosis as being random, obscure and somewhat inevitable. This may reinforce the hypochondriac to think about various ilnesses.

This condition may occur more often in people who:

• were sick or had sick family members during childhood
• were victims of child abuse
• have various other psychological disorders
• abuse drugs or alcohol