Hypochondriasis - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Hypochondria refers to an excessive preoccupation or worry about having a serious illness. Hypochondriasis occurs most commonly between the ages of 20 and 30 and appears to affect both sexes equally. Hypochondriasis is usually episodic, with hypochondriacal periods lasting from months to years and with equally long quiescent periods. Hypochondriasis can occur at any time of life, but most often begins in early adulthood. Some people with hypochondriasis also have depression or anxiety. Neurochemical deficits associated with hypochondriasis and some other somatoform disorders (eg, somatization, conversion, and body dysmorphic disorders) appear similar to those of mood and anxiety disorders. The social learning theory frames hypochondriasis as a request for admission to the sick role made by a person facing seemingly insurmountable and insolvable problems. Most people occasionally fear they have an illness, but people with hypochondriasis are preoccupied with their fear, which is severe and persistent and interferes with work as well as relationships.