Defining Hypochondria
Medically Known as Illness Anxiety Disorder
Medically reviewed by Kathleen Daly, MD
Hypochondria occurs when a person believes they are experiencing a medical condition that they do not have. While it is normal to have fears of illness and medical conditions, hypochondria can also become a medical concern. When hypochondria is severe enough to interfere with daily life, it is medically known as illness anxiety disorder (formerly hypochondriasis).
Learn about hypochondria, the facts vs. misconceptions, risk factors, symptoms, coping methods, and more.
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What Is True vs. Untrue About Hypochondria
There are many misconceptions about hypochondria, including that it is not an actual medical condition; however, this notion is false. Severe hypochondria is a diagnosable mental health condition called illness anxiety disorder and can increase the risk of death.
True: It Is a Real Form of Anxiety
Illness anxiety disorder is a real mental health diagnosis. It is a type of anxiety that affects up to 7% of people. The condition occurs when the symptoms of hypochondria are more severe and significantly impact daily life.
Untrue: It Is “Made Up”
Historically, a portion of society believed that hypochondria is fabricated, or made up, because of the nature of the illness. There is a misconception that people with this condition are seeking attention. However, just like other forms of anxiety, illness anxiety disorder is an actual medical condition and should be treated as such.
True: Some People Have Increased Risk Factors
Some people are at an increased risk of experiencing hypochondria and developing illness anxiety disorder. For example, medical students are at an increased risk as they learn about medical conditions, and, in this context, it is referred to as medical student syndrome.
There are other risk factors, too, such as past traumatic childhood experiences, doomscrolling, or excessively searching health concerns on the Internet.
Hypochondria Symptom Variations
Hypochondria symptoms can be mental, physical, and behavioral. The primary symptom is intense worry or fear of being or becoming sick, though there are other symptoms.
Invisible
Illness anxiety disorder can be difficult to differentiate from other medical conditions, such as autoimmune conditions and mental health conditions because some of the symptoms are similar and cannot be seen by others. For example, people with hypochondria may experience intense fear, pain, fatigue, dizziness, hand and foot tingling, pressure in the chest, and more.
Evaluating and testing for the cause of these symptoms can be challenging, so some people with other health concerns, such as autoimmune disease, may be thought to have illness anxiety disorder before tests reveal something else.
Physical
In addition to the invisible symptoms, there may be physical symptoms of health anxiety that others observe. Physical symptoms of illness anxiety disorder may include increased heart rate, sweating, shortness of breath, muscle twitches, or tight muscles. These symptoms may come and go as anxiety levels increase and decrease.
Behavioral
Beyond invisible and physical symptoms of illness anxiety disorder, people with this condition may also experience the following behavioral symptoms:
A prolonged preoccupation (more than six months) with the thought that you have a serious illness
Interpreting normal body symptoms, especially those related to head, neck, abdomen, and chest, as related to a serious illness
Intense fear or worry that doesn't resolve
Some people may fear one illness or type of illness, while others may have various health fears that change.
Steps to Receiving an Illness Anxiety Disorder Diagnosis
Anxiety is a mental health condition that can be diagnosed and treated by a mental health provider, such as a psychiatrist. A primary care provider can do an initial screening that may involve filling out a questionnaire and reviewing symptoms. During the diagnosis process, a healthcare provider will ask about:
The nature of your symptoms
The duration of your symptoms
How your symptoms impact your social life
How to Cope Through Hypochondria Episodes
Having an illness anxiety disorder can be challenging. The fear of having a medical condition or becoming sick can interfere with relationships and daily life. There are ways to cope, and treatment options are available. For example, avoiding reading information about health concerns may be helpful.
Self-Soothing Techniques
Sometimes, you can manage illness anxiety disorder at home with self-soothing techniques. These techniques are helpful alongside professional support, too.
Some ways to self-soothe include:
Becoming aware of your thoughts, then acknowledging and shifting them
Keeping a journal to track your thoughts and symptoms
Slowly taking part in hobbies and enjoyable activities
Breathing exercises to help calm the mind and body
Therapy or Counseling
Mental health professionals, such as psychologists, treat illness anxiety disorder with talk therapy (psychotherapy). The two most used methods of talk therapy for this condition include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral stress management therapy. Both methods can be used for other types of anxiety, too.
Medication
There are no medications specifically for illness anxiety disorder. However, studies have found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—a class of drugs to treat anxiety and depression—effectively reduce symptoms in people with this disorder.
Integrative Approaches
In addition to self-soothing and talk therapy, there are other ways of coping with illness anxiety disorder. Researchers have found various practical integrative approaches for managing anxiety, including the following:
Mindfulness meditation
Relaxation techniques
Certain calming natural products, such as lavender
You can use these methods alone or along with talk therapy or self-soothing techniques.
When It Is Not Hypochondria
Sometimes, a person who fears that they are experiencing a medical condition does not have an illness or anxiety disorder. For example, chronic fatigue syndrome is difficult to diagnose and is often dismissed as a mental health concern. About 71% of people do not receive an accurate diagnosis until they see at least four different healthcare providers.
Misdiagnoses are especially common when test results are normal. It can happen when providers test for the wrong condition, or there are no tests available for the condition.
Summary
Hypochondria, medically known, involves experiencing intense fear about having a medical condition or becoming ill. When symptoms persist and become severe enough to affect daily life, it is a diagnosable condition called illness anxiety disorder.
The symptoms of illness anxiety disorder may be physical, mental, or behavioral and are often not able to be seen. For example, a person may experience pain or avoid going places where they may come into contact with germs.
Illness anxiety disorder is treatable, and there are ways to cope. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of hypochondria, help is available. Reach out to a primary care provider or mental health professional for support.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
