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Hypochondria
What is "hypochondria"?
Hypochondria, also known as illness anxiety disorder, is a condition where a person is overly worried about having a serious illness despite having little or no medical evidence to support it. Individuals with hypochondria often mistake normal bodily sensations as signs of a serious medical condition, leading to constant anxiety and obsession with health concerns. This excessive worry can significantly interfere with daily life, causing distress and reduced functioning. Treatment usually involves therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to help individuals challenge their irrational health-related fears and learn coping strategies to manage anxiety.
Example
People with hypochondria may experience significant distress and impairment in their daily lives due to their preoccupation with health concerns.
Individuals with hypochondria may constantly check their bodies for signs of illness, research medical conditions online, and seek reassurance from doctors, friends, or family members about their health.
Support from mental health professionals, as well as education about the nature of hypochondria and its treatment options, can help individuals with this condition manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Treatment for hypochondria typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals challenge and change their distorted beliefs about health and illness.