Hypochondriac?

Is it just me? Or do other people worry? Are you a hypochondriac?

Hypochondriac (hī-pō-kon’drē-ak): a person with somatic over-concern, including morbid attention to the details of bodily functioning and exaggeration of any symptoms no matter how insignificant.

A main symptom of hypochondria is the misdiagnosis of any slight ailment. The fear that hypochondria exerts is so great that any small ache or pain is treated as a major illness. The hypochondriac will think that the smallest pain can be attributed to major illness such as cancer or AIDS. In a sense, the hypochondriac believes the worst and usually cannot be dissuaded by contrary expert opinion.

Recurrent visits to the doctor are another sign of hypochondria. The sufferer may also change doctors if the doctor suspects hypochondria. The hypochondriac may begin to fear the doctor due to this diagnosis.

The worries of the hypochondriac can have severe ramifications in daily life. The hypochondriac may spend a lot of time away from work worrying about his or her imagined ill health. Anxiety levels increase due to this incessant worry, and can create other illnesses such as panic attacks and depression.

Many physical symptoms of illness can be triggered by hypochondria. Psycho-somatic symptoms may also be found in the condition. Many hypochondriacs are seriously concerned with their own death due to the condition, and many begin to make preparations for their death.

Another symptom of hypochondria is an obsessive need for information on diseases and illnesses. The hypochondriac will usually not believe the diagnoses of doctors and will try to find his or her own diagnosis of the perceived illness. Hypochondriacs spend a great a deal of the day worrying about and discussing their symptoms.

Hypochondria affects at least 6% of people. Many people believe that bad posture is an explanation for hypochondria. The word hypochondria comes from Greek words meaning "below" and "the ribs

I would love to hear from anyone that feels they may be a hypocohondriac?

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Please email me at mmorris358@aol.com