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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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