Someone in your inner circle gets sick, and you think you might be coming down with their cold or flu. You have some of the symptoms, you think. Or maybe it’s all in your head. Valid health concerns aren’t hypochondria. Everyone wonders if they’re bound to catch something that’s catch-able.
There is a bit more to being a hypochondriac than wondering if you’re catching someone’s cold. Even checking Web MB daily about any little things pains you have doesn’t make you a diagnosable hypochondriac. So, what does?
What Is a Hypochondriac?
Hypochondria, or hypochondriasis, is living with a fear of having a medical condition that is serious (like cancer). Each little symptom you have, no matter how minor, is a sign that the illness you fear is coming to get you.
Hypochondria is sometimes thought to be a panic disorder, and recently the disorder itself has been split into two categories.
1. Illness Anxiety Disorder
Illness Anxiety Disorder is when a person believes they are sick even when they have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. They might think they have an illness after reading about it, and they’ll continue to obsess over it.
2. Somatic Symptom Disorder
Somatic Symptom Disorder is when a person has major symptoms, but no actual illness. They can also have an illness, but their reaction to it is completely blown out of proportion.
Both of these illnesses are lumped into the term hypochondriac when discussing the disorders in layman’s terms. In either case, the person is not lying about being sick. It’s not a lie because they believe they have an illness of some sort.
Symptoms of Health Anxiety
Hypochondriac symptoms can vary somewhat depending on which disorder you have, as you read above. However, there are some general symptoms to look for to get the ball rolling on a diagnosis.
- You may constantly be thinking that each little symptom is something major, from a stomach growl to heartburn
- You worry that you’re getting a serious illness even without any symptoms present
- Even negative test results aren’t enough to convince you that you don’t have an illness
- You go to multiple doctors and change doctors just because you’re not getting the diagnosis you expect
- You check your temperature, blood pressure, and other functions often
- You make doctor’s appointments often, or the complete opposite; you avoid appointments because you fear there is something major wrong with you
- You avoid situations where you think you might get sick
- Health issues are your number one topics of discussion
- Most of your search terms have something to do with symptoms and illnesses
- Your fears of being sick or getting sick keep you from living a normal life
Hypochondriac disorders can also run in the family, so if you have a family member with a diagnosis of hypochondria, you are at greater risk for the illness yourself.
Diagnosing Illness Anxiety Disorder
Your symptoms could be part of an actual illness, such as an anxiety disorder. Because of this, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you fear you might have hypochondria symptoms. If your illness fears are affecting your life, your ability to work or be a social being, your doctor can help.
Diagnosing someone with hypochondria is not an easy task. Hypochondriacs believe their illnesses are real. If you’re seeing the same doctor all the time, they may notice a pattern and send you to a psychiatrist. If you’re bouncing from doctor to doctor there won’t be a way for them to notice the pattern- which means you won’t get help unless you ask for it.
Treating Hypochondria
Once you have a diagnosis of either Illness Anxiety Disorder or Somatic Symptom Disorder, some things can be done to help. Living in fear of illness is a stressful way of life, so getting help can help you find more peace and enjoyment.
A good primary care physician may be all you need. If you see someone you feel you can trust then their words will help you believe that you don’t have an illness. Family support helps as well.
As with other anxiety disorders, medication and therapy can help as well. Medications used for depression and anxiety are both common for this illness. Cognitive therapy can help with stress.
What To Do When You’re Sick
Whether or not you have visible symptoms, if you have health concerns making a doctors appointment is the first step in getting help. Always be honest with your doctor about worries and symptoms so they can help you. Doctors are not there to judge you for your anxieties; they can ensure that you get the help you need, no matter what your illness is.
