Hypochondria, also known as the hypochondriasis is a mental disorder characterized by constant fear that the affected person suffers from an undiagnosed illness that can be life-threatening. Hypochondriasis is considered a psychosomatic disease, which means it is a mental disorder that manifests itself in physical symptoms.

However, according to U.S. researchers at the Mayo Clinic, hypochondriasis can be considered a form of obsessive-compulsive behavior that can fade with time.

Ipohondricii considers even the smallest sensations felt by the body as signs of a serious condition. It is certain symptoms in the extreme: a person may believe that hypochondria forgetting the car keys at home is a sign of Alzheimer's disease, or the appearance of moles on the body is a sign of the existence of skin cancer. These beliefs are so strong that people get to use many doctors to be diagnosed, and when the doctor's diagnosis does not coincide with their own suspicions blame is attributed to medical malpractice.
Hypochondria affect the social life of the patient

Hypochondria is often characterized by constant fears that some minor symptoms experienced by the body can indicate serious problems. Ipohondricii generally are distrustful of the medical diagnosis, which is why they always need constant assurance either from health professionals or by family. Therefore, hypochondria affect social and family life of the patient, he was so concerned about their health that does not have time for other social activities. There are also reverse this condition. It is hipercondrie, disease in which a person believes that it is perfectly healthy despite suffering from a serious illness.
Symptoms of hypochondria

Signs that indicate hypochondria:

€ Excessive fear of not suffering from a certain disease;
€ fear that minor symptoms that suggest a serious illness;
€ medical advice repeated to confirm the diagnosis you expect;
€ checks and medical tests repeated several doctors;
€ documenting obsessive interest on various diseases;
€ daily palpation of the body to the discovery of problems: rashes, lumps, rashes;
€ periodic monitoring of vital signs;
€ fear of suffering from diseases you have read.

Hypochondria can vary in intensity but also in forms. People suffering from hypochondria are absolutely certain that they suffer from certain diseases, and diagnosis is obtaining a work on which it focuses. Ipohondricii seek the opinion of many doctors and specialists, ask to be tested are expensive and always talk about the symptoms of so-called diseases of suffering. On the other hand, another common manifestation in hypochondria is the fear of going to the doctor, just to not get bad news.
Causes hypochondria

The causes of hypochondria are still unknown, but some experts believe that it is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder. People are often anxious hypochondriac, and this anxiety causes an increase in heart rate, a rapid breathing, sweating, nausea and vomiting. A hypochondriac person gets to confuse the signs of the symptoms of anxiety disorders, which lead to the development of a vicious circle.

Risk factors that may trigger hypochondriasis are:

€ people who have suffered from a particular disease during childhood;
€ the existence of the family of a person with a serious condition which makes you more alert about their health;
€ death of a loved one;
€ existence of anxiety problems;
€ existence of a rigid conception that being healthy means not having any symptoms or suspected physical sensation;
€ existence of people close to the family, suffering from hypochondria;
€ there is a sense of vulnerability to the disease.

Hypochondria is a condition that occurs equally both women and men. May be initiated at any age, even children, although most often occurs in adulthood. Hypochondria can also lead to other complications related to performing unnecessary medical treatments, socializing difficult, appearance anxiety, substance abuse, anger and frustration existence and emergence of financial problems as a result of numerous medical investigations carried out.

When the physician believes that a patient is hypochondriac usually required to make a series of analyzes. They can help determine a diagnosis, the elimination of disease and the verification of possible complications. These analyzes require a complete medical examination including measurement of height, weight, checking vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature, listening to your heart and lungs and abdominal examination. Also, there will be and laboratory tests including blood tests and to detect thyroid problems. Psychological assessment is required if an suspicion of hypochondria.
What can we do in case of hypochondria?

Treatment for hypochondria should be taken exactly as prescribed. Even if you feel better, resist the temptation to skip medication, because if you stop the treatment, your symptoms may return.
Learning about your disease. A person must know everything about hypochondria hypochondria, because in this way you will know how to restrain.

Pay attention to warning signs. Talk to your doctor to know exactly what triggers fears of health. Establish a plan so you know what to do when symptoms return.

Be as active. Exercise can help you tackle specific depression and anxiety hypochondria. You can try to go to jog, swim or gardening to relax.

Avoid drinking alcohol and non-prescribed drugs by a doctor because they can worsen depression and anxiety and may interact with prescription drugs specialist.