Hypochondriacal melancholia is a psychological disorder that is characterized by excessive worry about one's physical health combined with feelings of sadness and hopelessness. The word is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˌhaɪ.pəʊ.kɒn.ˈdri.ə.kəl ˌmel.əŋ.ˈkəʊ.li.ə/. The first part of the word, "hypochondriacal," is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable, while the second part, "melancholia," is pronounced with emphasis on the third syllable. The correct spelling of this word can be challenging, especially for those who are not familiar with the English language's complex phonetics.
Hypochondriacal melancholia is a psychological disorder characterized by excessive and unrealistic preoccupation with physical health issues and a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. This condition falls under the broader category of mood disorders and is often considered a subtype of major depressive disorder.
Individuals afflicted with hypochondriacal melancholia have an intense fear and anxiety about having a serious medical condition, even in the absence of any objective medical evidence. They tend to magnify and exaggerate minor bodily sensations or normal bodily functions and interpret them as signs of life-threatening diseases. Despite medical reassurance and negative test results, these individuals are unable to convince themselves that they are not seriously ill.
Symptoms of hypochondriacal melancholia may include extreme worry about health, obsessive checking for physical symptoms, frequent visits to healthcare professionals, and excessive research about diseases and their symptoms. The disorder typically causes significant distress and impairment in daily functioning, leading to social withdrawal and isolation.
Treatment for hypochondriacal melancholia often involves a combination of psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication such as antidepressants or anxiety-reducing drugs. The goal of therapy is to challenge and modify the patient's irrational health-related beliefs and help in managing their depressive symptoms. Supportive care and education about health and diseases are also important components of the treatment plan.
Overall, hypochondriacal melancholia is a psychological condition characterized by an overwhelming concern for physical health coupled with profound sadness. It requires proper diagnosis and appropriate intervention to alleviate the distress and improve the individual's overall well-being.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "hypochondriacal melancholia" is composed of two components: "hypochondriacal" and "melancholia".
The word "hypochondriacal" originates from the Greek word "hupokhondria" which means "the region under the cartilage (of the breastbone)". In Ancient Greek medicine, it was believed that the hypochondrium, the area below the ribs, was the seat of melancholy. Over time, "hypochondria" came to be associated with a condition where individuals excessively worry about their health and believe they have serious illnesses without any medical evidence.
The term "melancholia" comes from the ancient Greek words "melas" (meaning "black") and "kholē" (meaning "bile").