- A girl of 17years age studying in the 12th standard complained of mild throat pain and got treatment from family physicians and recovered. But she developed a fear of COVID-19 and since then she is not able to focus on studies as well as her routine.
- A 40 years old man visited a cardiologist 7-8 times in 6 months, due to the fear of heart attack. All investigation reports were normal. But his anxiety for the heart attack is increasing day by day.
- A 30 years old lady had a cyst in her left breast and was excised by the surgeon nearly 1 year back. But she developed the idea of having breast cancer. She visits the surgeon frequently with the assumption of developing cyst, nodule, or some time discharge from the nipple. All investigation reports were normal.
All the above case examples are of Hypochondriacs, who are suffering from Hypochondriasis.
Definition
It is a mental disorder that comes under somatoform disorder, characterized by excessive and persistent fear or idea of having a serious disease, based on the misinterpretation of bodily signs and sensations. This preoccupation persists despite evidence to the contrary and reassurance from doctors.
It may occur at any age, mostly higher in adulthood. 10-20% of normal people have some degree of preoccupation with illness for a short duration, which is apparently quite common. It is difficult to assess, when they visit with the same complaints more than 6 months without physical symptoms, we can come to the conclusion of ILLNESS ANXIETY DISORDER.
Comorbidity
It is also a co-morbid condition for other psychiatric illnesses like Depression and Anxiety disorders, Stress, OCD, and Phobias.
Causative factors
- Hereditary factors 10-37%
- Exposure to illness information through media like TV, Cinema, Social media, Newspapers, Magazines, etc…Serious illness or death in family members/friends.
- Approaching the age of premature death of parents due to severe illness
- Major disease outbreaks or predicted pandemics like COVID – 19
Treatment
- Cognitive behavior therapy – face to face, telephonic, individual, or group therapy.
- Re-assurance and supportive therapy.
- Relaxation therapy.
- Exercise, yoga, and meditation.
- Desensitization/ exposure therapy.
- Anti-depressive medications.