HYPOCHONDRIASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Hypochondriasis, also known as illness anxiety disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and fear regarding having a serious medical illness, despite the absence of significant medical evidence for the ailment. Individuals with hypochondriasis often obsessively focus on bodily sensations, misinterpret normal bodily changes as signs of severe illness, and constantly seek reassurance from healthcare professionals to alleviate their fears.
People with hypochondriasis may exhibit a range of symptoms including preoccupation with health concerns, constantly checking their body for symptoms, frequent doctor visits for various complaints, intense fear of having a specific disease, persistent doubts about medical reassurances, and an excessive reliance on medical tests. The distress and anxiety associated with hypochondriasis can significantly impair one's daily functioning, leading to significant distress in personal relationships and social interactions.
While the exact causes of hypochondriasis are unclear, a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors are thought to contribute to its development. Individuals who have experienced a traumatic event or have a family history of anxiety disorders may be at a higher risk of developing hypochondriasis.
Treatment for hypochondriasis typically involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge their irrational thoughts and beliefs about illnesses, whereas medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be prescribed to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms associated with hypochondriasis.
Overall, hypochondriasis is a condition characterized by excessive anxiety and worry about having a serious medical illness despite a lack of medical evidence. Timely intervention can help individuals manage and alleviate their fears, leading to improved quality of life.
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A morbid concern about the health and exaggerated attention to any unusual bodily or mental sensations; an unfounded belief that one is suffering from some disease.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A form of insanity in which the patient converts an idea of purely mental origin into what appears to him to be a real material change.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HYPOCHONDRIASIS
- gypochondriasis
- bypochondriasis
- nypochondriasis
- jypochondriasis
- uypochondriasis
- yypochondriasis
- htpochondriasis
- hgpochondriasis
- hhpochondriasis
- hupochondriasis
- h7pochondriasis
- h6pochondriasis
- hyoochondriasis
- hylochondriasis
- hy-ochondriasis
- hy0ochondriasis
- hypichondriasis
- hypkchondriasis
- hyplchondriasis
- hypochondruiasis
Etymology of HYPOCHONDRIASIS
The word hypochondriasis is derived from the combination of two Greek words: hypo meaning under or below, and chondros meaning cartilage. In ancient Greek medicine, it was believed that bodily ailments originated from imbalances in the four bodily humors or fluids - blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. The area under the ribs, where the cartilage is found, was considered to be the location of these imbalances.
During the Renaissance period, the term hypochondriasis was used to describe a condition where individuals excessively focused on and exaggerated physical symptoms arising from imagined or minor illnesses. It was believed to be caused by an excessive preoccupation with abdominal organs located beneath the cartilage of the ribs, hence the name hypochondriasis.
Similar spelling words for HYPOCHONDRIASIS
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