Hypochondriac are individual who is obsessed with the idea that they suffer from a life-threatening condition which has not been diagnosed. The condition is referred to as hypochondriasis. A hypochondriac has several problems in their workplace or their personal relationships.
Hypochondriac Symptoms
Symptoms of hypochondriac include,
- Intense long term fear of a serious disease
- Anxiety and apprehension about minor symptoms or daily sensations
- Repeated visits to the doctor for medical examination and evaluation
- Frequent tendency to switch doctors, in order to take multiple opinions
- Continuously talking about a disease condition with family and friends
- Obsessive about health research or constantly checking vital signs and symptoms to understand ones health status.
Though, not everyone with apprehension and anxiety about his/her disease condition can be labeled as a hypochondriac. Normally, individuals tend to become anxious about their health especially if they know they suffer from a disease. However, hypochondriac are individuals who are anxious merely because they feel they are ill and have never been diagnosed of an ailment
Hypochondriac Treatment
- The primary treatment modalities include psychological counseling and educating the patient about hypochondriac behavior
- Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to help the individual in recognizing the anxiety and helps them in overcoming this behavior.
- The therapy helps the individual directly confront with the underlying health fear and develop skills to cope with these uncomfortable feelings.
- Educating the patient about hypochondriasis is also found to be beneficial. Support of family and friends is requisite in helping the individual overcome these fears and live a normal life.