Hypochondriac syndrome was mentioned by Hippocrates. And he got the name thanks to the ancient Roman doctor K. Galen, who believed that the causes of the disease state lie in the hypochondrium ("hypochondrion"). So what is hypochondria?
Is hypochondria an independent disease?
Since the beginning of the 19th century in France, psychiatrists have come to the conclusion that astheno-hypochondriac syndrome is still not an organ disease, but a mental disorder. In addition, since the beginning of the 20th century, domestic doctors have not unreasonably established that this disorder manifests itself more often against the background of neurosis: hysteria and neurasthenia, or as a component of a neurosis of obsessive states. Our doctors believed that hypochondria is a syndrome, and not an independent disease. At a time when, for example, German and English authors defined hypochondria as a neurosis, that is, a separate unit.
Clinical manifestations of the syndrome
Hypochondria syndrome is a painful focus on one's well-being. As a rule, the dominant manifestation of this syndrome is the fear of being the carrier of a disease and the resulting anxious listening to one’s feelings.
At the same time, the patient can easily have painful symptoms depending on the disease that he ascribes to himself. And the fact that doctors do not detect pathology in the organs, the patient perceives as their dishonesty.
Why does hypochondriac syndrome occur?
Constant fear for one’s health arises, as a rule, in people with a special nature. These are anxious-suspicious persons or asthenic, very worried about their health. Often in this state of affairs, education is guilty: excessive attention is paid to the child's well-being, which can also lead to hypochondria later.
The reason for its occurrence may be a story about someone's illness or death, their own illness or vegetative disorders, such as sweating, weakness, tachycardia, etc. All these experiences in people who are hypochondriac-prone naturally cause component emotions of fear: dry mouth, nausea, indigestion, and sleep disturbances. And this, as a rule, becomes the reason for the next hypochondriacal processing.
The relationship between depression and hypochondria
If a person knows that he is seriously ill, he usually has a feeling of longing. And arisen physiologically, this feeling enlivens the idea that the disease already exists. Therefore, for a depressed state, hypochondriacal ideas are also characteristic, as are thoughts of one's own uselessness, guilt, etc.
Hypochondriac syndrome: treatment
In a short time, hypochondria is not cured. Therefore, it is very important to learn how to live with her. To do this, you should admit to yourself that you are a hypochondriac. Do not be ashamed of this! This is not crazy. You are a normal person, just fear has settled in you. It can and should be controlled:
- Do not scold yourself for being a hypochondriac;
- don't let anxious thoughts take you completely. This, of course, is not easy, but you can think of some ways to switch yourself. And, most importantly, strictly adhere to this rule;
- as soon as you succeed, do not forget to praise yourself!
Hypochondriac syndrome lends itself well to psychotherapeutic effects. A psychotherapist with the help of hypnosis, auto-training, and sometimes drug treatment will help you get rid of the constant anxieties and fears that poison your life. Good luck to you!