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Hypochondriasis
By Mirzha Mendez
Definitions
Hypochondriasis
-A somatoform disorder in
which a person interprets
normal physical sensations
as a disease.
-Characterized by
symptoms suggesting
psychological disorder but
for which there are no
demonstrable organic
findings or known
physiological mechanisms.
Associated Features
The person…
…becomes too focused on their health.
…has an unrealistic fear of having a serious
illness.
…focuses on symptoms with a goal.
DSM-IV-TR Criteria
 Idea that one has a serious disease based on
misinterpreting normal body functions
 According to the person the disease may persist
despite what doctors say
 The person may admit that he/she is
exaggerating the symptoms.
 The person may be experiencing something that
is not a serious disease
 The person does not recognize that the concern
about a serious illness is excessive or
unreasonable.
Etiology
 Child abuse creates a vulnerability for the
disorder whether it is sexual or physical.
 Watching someone die with a serious disease at
a young age.
Prevalence
 1 to 5 percent of the population have this
disorder.
 Age and gender are inconsistent.
 It is common to find other disorders on people
with hypochondriasis
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Other somatoform Disorders
Treatment
 Having a supportive relationship with a healthcare provider, and it should only be one.
 Mental healthcare provider with experience in
this disorder.
 Psychotherapy
 Cognitive therapy (CBT)
 Medication such as serotonin.
 Used to help modulate mood, emotion, sleep and
appetite.
Prognosis
 It could be long term and chronic if it is not
treated.
 Person may become dependent on pain
relievers or sedatives.
 Lost times from work.
 In extreme cases the person may become
completely invalid.
References
Halgin, R.P. Whitbain, S.K. (2005). Abnormal
psychology: clinical perspectives on psychological
disorders. Ney York, NY: Mc Grow Hill.
Myers, D.G. (2011). Meyer psychology for AP. New
York: Worth Publishers.
Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders:
DSM-IV-TR. (4th ed.). (2000). Washington, DC:
American Psychiatric Association.
Hypochondria - PubMed Health. (n.d.). National
Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved
May 5, 2011, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p
Discussion Question
How do you think you would react if
you find out someone you love had
hypochondriasis? How would you
approach the situation?