Desire to perform many unnecessary medical examinations, obsessing with seemingly harmless symptoms, need to go to the doctor many times and excessive concern about health are some of the symptoms of Hypochondria. This disease, also known as "disease mania", is a psychological disorder where there is an intense and obsessive concern for health, learn more in Excessive concern with health can be Hypochondria.
Some of the possible causes of this disease include excessive stress, depression, anxiety, over-concern or trauma following the death of a family member. Treatment of hypochondriasis can be done through psychotherapy sessions, with a psychologist or psychiatrist, and in some cases it may be necessary to take anxiolytic, antidepressant or tranquilizers to complete the treatment.
Main Symptoms of Hypochondria
Hypochondria can be identified through the presence of various symptoms, which include:
- Need to constantly perform self-examinations, making palpitations and analyzing signs and warts;
- Desire to perform unnecessary medical examinations constantly;
- Intense fear of having a serious illness;
- Too many health concerns that end up hampering relationships with friends and family;
- Regularly monitor vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse;
- Broad knowledge of medicines and medical treatments;
- Obsession with simple and seemingly harmless symptoms;
- Need to see the doctor several times a year;
- Fear of having a disease after hearing the description of its symptoms;
- Difficulty accepting doctors' opinions, especially if diagnosis indicates there is no problem or illness.
In addition to all these symptoms, the Hypochondriac also has an obsession with dirt and germs, which is revealed when he needs to perform basic tasks such as going to a public toilet or grabbing the bus iron. For a hypochondriac, all symptoms are signs of illness, since a sneeze is not just a sneeze, but a symptom of allergy, cold, flu or even ebola.
How the Diagnosis is done
Hypochondria can be diagnosed by a psychologist or psychiatrist, who analyzes the patient's senses, behavior, and concerns.
To facilitate the diagnosis, your doctor may ask you to talk to a close family member or the doctor you consult regularly to identify the obsessive concerns and behaviors characteristic of this disease.
