The concept of hypochondria occurred from the ancient Greek language and in literal translation means - the hypochondrium. It is in this area, according to the ancient Greeks, the source of the disease state was localized. In modern psychiatry and psychology, the compulsive hypochondria is referred to as a mental disorder and uses the term "hypochondriacal disorder". In the Russian language, the word is used to identify a person who constantly complains about his health. He is afraid of becoming infected with any disease, if he is not well, he begins to say goodbye to his family and friends, believing that his days are numbered.
Symptoms of hypochondria:
- constant complaints about health;
- frequent change of attending physicians;
- excessive anxiety about the state of their health;
- manifestation of painful short temper and anxious conditions, etc.
Symptoms of Hypochondria
Most people with hypochondria are concerned about the presence of physical or organic diseases. Their complaints can be both spatial (fatigue, malaise), and local: pain in the heart, in the stomach, etc. Hypochondriacs draw inspiration from specialized literature. They find most of the symptoms described there. But they do not lie and do not pretend. They sincerely believe that they are sick. So how do you deal with hypochondria? First, it is necessary to determine its causes, symptoms and severity and, depending on this, conduct therapeutic therapy. Secondly, to persuade the patient to undergo a course of treatment. Thirdly, to support the patient and not in any way to show that you do not believe him.
Hypochondria - Causes
The exact causes of this disorder are still unknown. However, there are a number of factors contributing to the disease:
- the severe diseases suffered in childhood;
- spiritual stinginess and callousness of man;
- seriously ill relatives and friends (children copy their condition, trying to attract attention to themselves);
- physical or psychological violence at an early age;
- heredity of the disease.
Treatment of hypochondria
This condition is very difficult to treat. This is due to the fact that patients flatly refuse to believe that all of their illnesses are the result of a mental or emotional disorder. The goal of treatment is to help in the normal functioning of hypochondriacs, despite all their imaginary symptoms. It is also necessary to change the cogitative and behavioral cliches that underlie the violation. The initial stage of treatment is a critical period. The patient fights off all treatment and changes the attending physician, in the hope that the new specialist will confirm all his fears about numerous diseases. The question arises, how to cure hypochondria, if the patient himself does not want to be cured of it?
Most often, the treatment is carried out in three directions:
- Supportive care. The attending physician needs to establish relations with the hypochondriac. The patient should trust the doctor and constantly contact him. The patient will assume that the doctor is monitoring his imaginary symptoms,
while observation will be conducted for his mental health. - Psychotherapy. This technique aims to develop a positive perception of the patient. Also, psychotherapeutic intervention can relieve the hypochondriac from stress and teach interaction with others.
- Drug treatment. It is used very rarely. Basically, these are anxiety-reducing drugs and antidepressants.
The attack of hypochondria can be repeated even after successful treatment, so the patient needs constant attention and control. Understanding in the team and in the family can alleviate the symptoms and help the hypochondriac to cope with the disease. The success of treatment depends mainly on others, since getting rid of hypochondria is impossible.