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Hypochondria - Symptom

Alternative Names

Hypochondriasis

Symptoms:

Disturbance lasts for at least 6 months (24 weeks)
Misinterpret symptoms
No apparent physical disorder that can account for symptoms
Persistent fear of having a serious illness with no medical reason
Preoccupied with fear of illness
Symptoms may shift and change
Symptoms may be vague or specific (see somatoform pain disorder)

Those who are affected may recognize that their fear of having a serious disease is excessive, unreasonable, or unfounded.

Signs and tests:

Physical examination to rule out illness
Psychological evaluation to rule out other related disorders

Reviewed last on: 8/24/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Hypochondriasis. In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW, eds. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2004:chap 92.

deGruy FV. The Somatic Patient. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 61.

Purcell TB. Somatoform Disorders. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 111.

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