Hypochondria (or hypochondriasis, sometimes referred to as health anxiety or health phobia) is a somatoform disorder in which one has the unfounded belief that he or she is suffering from a serious illness. Hypochondria is often characterized by irrational fears of being diseased/dying, obsessions over minor bodily symptoms or imperfections, doubt and disbelief in doctors' diagnosis, constant self-examination and self-diagnosis and preoccupation with one's body. Hypochondriacs often require constant reassurance, sometimes from multiple doctors, family and friends.

Hypochondria is often associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety, and can also be brought on by stress.

Etymology

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The term hypochondria comes from the Greek hypo- (below) and chondros (cartilage - of the breast bone). The term was originally used to describe unidentifiable stomach pains. It was thought by ancient Greek physicians that such pains were caused by the movement of the spleen, an organ located near the hypochondrium (the upper region of the abdomen just below the ribs on either side of the epigastrium).

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Every time I get out of transit, I have a 20 minute bout of hypochondria (tight chest, coughing). All the logic in the world can't stop it.
theonetruegigi (Gisela McKay) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:12:38 -0000
Every time I get out of transit, I have a 20 minute bout of hypochondria (tight chest, coughing). All the logic in the world can't stop it.
What is going on in there? Hilary Mantel considers hypochondria: http://bit.ly/4rZLw1 RT @PicadorUSA
BloomsburyPress (Bloomsbury Press) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:51:06 -0000
What is going on in there? Hilary Mantel considers hypochondria: http://bit.ly/4rZLw1 RT @PicadorUSA
I wonder if hypochondria is ever self-diagnosed? Somehow, I doubt it. :) via @ktpoy @slominski
lyndons (Lyndon Sharp) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:45:31 -0000
I wonder if hypochondria is ever self-diagnosed? Somehow, I doubt it. :) via @ktpoy @slominski
For class: Does anyone think that ads for medications actually contribute to hypochondria?
lisacam123 (Lisa Campbell) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:03:13 -0000
For class: Does anyone think that ads for medications actually contribute to hypochondria?
The WebMD app is amazing. Hypochondria ftw.
lilylikeslimes (Lily Stanton) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:55:52 -0000
The WebMD app is amazing. Hypochondria ftw.
Psychosomatic effects. RT @jcbaggee: @kittybinimi No, no. You're confusing this with hypochondria. I know this, because I watch House.
kittybinimi (Kitty Binimi) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:20:16 -0000
Psychosomatic effects. RT @jcbaggee: @kittybinimi No, no. You're confusing this with hypochondria. I know this, because I watch House.

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