Hypochondria

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Hypochondriasis

A supportive relationship with a health care provider is the mainstay of treatment. There should be one primary provider to avoid unnecessary diagnostic tests and procedures.

The health care provider should inform the person that no organic disease is present, but that continued medical follow-up will help control the symptoms. The person with hypochondria feels real distress, so the symptoms should not be denied or challenged by others.

Generally, the disorder is chronic (lasts for a long time) unless the psychological factors or any related underlying mood disorder are addressed.

• There is a possibility that a real disease may be overlooked in people with hypochondria because their previous complaints were unfounded.
• Complications may result from invasive testing and multiple evaluations looking for the cause of symptoms.
• Dependence on pain relievers or sedatives may develop.
• Frequent appointments with health care providers are typical, and time from work may be lost.

Call your health care provider if you or your child has symptoms of hypochondria.

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.