Hypochondria

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Hypochondriasis

• Preoccupation with fear of illness
• Persistent fear of having a serious illness despite medical reassurance
• Misinterpretation of symptoms
• Symptoms that may shift and change
• Symptoms that may be vague or specific (see somatoform pain disorder)
• No apparent physical disorder that can account for symptoms
• Disturbance lasting for at least 6 months (24 weeks)

The affected person may recognize that the fear of having a serious disease may be excessive, unreasonable, or unfounded.

A physical examination should be performed to rule out an underlying organic disease. A psychological evaluation should be performed to rule out other related disorders.

Review Date: 11/15/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.