Hypochondriasis

Hypochondriasis is defined as a persistent preoccupation with a fear (or belief) of having one (or more) serious disease(s), based on person’s own interpretation of normal body function or a minor physical abnormality. 

  • Hypochondriasis or health anxiety, is worrying excessively that you are or may become seriously ill.

  • You may have no physical symptoms or you may believe that normal body sensations or minor symptoms are signs of severe illness, even though a thorough medical examination doesn’t reveal a serious medical condition.
  • You may experience extreme anxiety that body sensations, such as muscle twitching or fatigue, are associated with a specific, serious illness.
  • This excessive anxiety rather than the physical symptom itself results in severe distress that can disrupt your life.
  • Illness anxiety disorder is a long-term condition that can fluctuate in severity.
  • It may increase with age or during times of stress.
  • But psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and sometimes medication can help ease your worries. 
  • Generally, Complete physical examination and investigations do not show presence of any significant abnormality.
  • The fear or belief persists despite assurance to the contrary by showing normal reports to the patient.
  • The fear or belief is not a delusion but is instead an example of an overvalued idea.
  • Furthermore, The patient may agree regarding the possibility of his exaggerating the graveness of situation, at that time.
  • A preoccupation with medical terms also syndromes is quite common.
  • The patient tends to change the physician frequently, in order to get investigated again.
  • Besides this, The usual age of onset is in the late third decade.
  • Lastly, The course is usually chronic with remissions and relapses.
Other symptoms
  • Obsessive personality traits and self-centered personality features are frequently seen, in addition to associated anxiety and depression. 
  • In detail, Frequently making medical appointments for reassurance or avoiding medical care for fear of being diagnosed with a serious illness
  • Avoiding people, either places or activities for fear of health risks
  • Constantly talking about your health also possible illnesses
  • All in all, Frequently searching the internet for causes of symptoms or possible illnesses 

The cause of hypochondriasis is not known.

The important theories are mentioned below:

1. Psychodynamic Theory i.e.:
  • Hypochondriasis is believed to be based on a self-centered personality, caused by a toxic libido.

  • Here other parts of body become erotogenic zones, which act as substitutes for genitals.
  • Hypochondriacally focused organs symbolise the genitals.
  • It must be remembered that this is only a theoretical psychodynamic construct.
2. As a Symptom of Depression i.e.:
  • Hypochondriacal symptoms are commonly present in major depression.
  • In fact, according to some, hypochondriasis is almost always a part of another psychiatric syndrome, most commonly a mood disorder.
  • Thus, hypochondriasis has been visualised as a masked depression or depressive equivalent, though not   everyone agrees with this view. 

Beliefs:

  • You may have a difficult time tolerating uncertainty over either uncomfortable or unusual body sensations.
  • This could lead you to misinterpret that all body sensations are serious, so you search for evidence to confirm that you have a serious disease.

Family:

  • You may be more likely to have health anxiety if you had parents who worried too much about either their own health or your health.

Past experience:

Aconitum napellus:

  • A panic attack that comes on suddenly with very strong fear (even fear of death) may indicate this remedy.
  • A state of immense anxiety may be accompanied by strong palpitations, shortness of breath, and flushing of the face.
  • Sometimes a shaking experience will be the underlying cause.
  • Strong feelings of anxiety may also occur when a person is just beginning to come down with a flu or cold.

Arsenicum album:

  • People who are deeply anxious about their health, and extremely concerned with order also security, often benefit from this remedy.
  • Obsessive about small details and very neat, they may feel a desperate need to be in control of everything.
  • Panic attacks often occur around midnight or the very early hours of the morning.
  • The person may feel exhausted yet still be restless fidgeting, pacing, and anxiously moving from place to place.
  • These people may also have digestive problems or asthma attacks accompanied by anxiety.

Calcarea carbonica:

  • This remedy is usually indicate for dependable, solid people who become overwhelm from physical illness or too much work and start to fear a breakdown.
  • Moreover, Their thoughts can muddle and confuse when tired, which adds to the anxiety.
  • Worry and bad news may agitate them, and a nagging dread of disaster (to themselves or others) may develop.
  • Fear of heights and claustrophobia are also common.
  • A person who needs this remedy is often chilly and sluggish, has a craving for sweets, and is easily fatigue.

Kali phosphoricum:

  • When a person has exhausted by overwork or illness and feels a deep anxiety and inability to cope, this remedy may help.
  • The person is jumpy and oversensitive, and may startle by ordinary sounds.
  • Hearing unpleasant news or thinking of world events can aggravate the problems.
  • Insomnia and an inability to concentrate may develop, increasing the sense of nervous dread.

  • Eating, warmth, and rest often bring relief.
  • Headaches, backaches, and nervous digestive upsets are often see when this remedy is in need.

Lycopodium:

  • Individuals likely to respond to this remedy feel anxiety from mental stress and suffer from a lack of confidence.
  • They can self-conscious and feel intimidate by people they perceive as powerful (yet may also swagger or be domineering toward those with whom they feel more comfortable).
  • Taking on responsibility can cause a deep anxiety and fear of failure, although the person usually does well, once started on a task.
  • Claustrophobia, irritability, digestive upsets with gas and bloating, and a craving for sweets are often see when this remedy is in need.

Phosphorus:

  • People who need this remedy are open heart, imaginative, excitable, easily startle, and full of intense and vivid fears.
  • Strong anxiety can triggered by thinking of almost anything.
  • Nervous and sensitive to others, they can overextend themselves with sympathy to the point of feeling exhausted and “spaced out” or even getting ill.
  • They want a lot of company and reassurance, often feeling better from conversation or a back-rub.
  • Easy flushing of the face, palpitations, thirst, and a strong desire for cold, refreshing foods are other indications for Phosphorus.

Pulsatilla:

  • People who need this remedy often express anxiety as insecurity and clinginess, with a need for constant support and comforting.
  • The person may moody, tearful, whiny, even emotionally childish.
  • Getting too warm or being in a stuffy room often increases anxiety.
  • Fresh air and gentle exercise often bring relief.
  • Anxiety around the time of hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual periods, or menopause) often is helped with Pulsatilla. 

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What is Hypochondriasis?

Hypochondriasis is defined as a persistent preoccupation with a fear (or belief) of having one (or more) serious disease(s), based on person’s own interpretation of normal body function or a minor physical abnormality.

Homeopathic Medicines used by Homeopathic Doctors in treatment of Hypochondriasis?

  • Aconitum napellus
  • Arsenicum album
  • Calcarea carbonica
  • Kali phosphoricum
  • Lycopodium
  • Phosphorus
  • Pulsatilla

What causes Hypochondriasis?

  • As a Symptom of Depression
  • Psychodynamic Theory
  • Serious illness in childhood
  • Misinterpret that all body sensations are serious

What are the symptoms of Hypochondriasis?

  • Fear or belief persists
  • Overvalued idea
  • Exaggerating the graveness of situation
  • Preoccupation with medical terms
  • Tends to change the physician frequently
  • Course is usually chronic with remissions and relapses
  • Obsessive personality traits and self-centered personality features
  • Avoiding people, places
  • Constantly talking about your health

  1. A Short Textbook of Psychiatry by Niraj Ahuja /Ch 8.
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373787

  3. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2195004