Helpful Advice on Hypochondria
The trouble with the Hypochondriac:
Is that he will be wrong about his condition nine hundred and ninety nine times.
Kingsley Amis
In 2013, the term “hypochondriasis / hypochondria”, was replaced by “somatic symptoms disorders” or “illness anxiety disorder” which is a condition whereby one is overly focused on body symptoms in fear of contracting a serious illness, even after medical reports suggest that the person is in good condition.
With hypochondria, one becomes so aware of every bodily sensation that the person will spend a great amount of time analyzing each in fear that these might be a serious disease. Sometimes the person will believe that the doctor is giving a wrong diagnosis about their health symptoms and that that may lead to something even more serious. The person becomes anxious and distressed that their body can produce symptoms that resemble those of some serious disease and that must be identified and treated right away. This will persist until they have been provided with clear evidence that it is not the case. Anxiety levels will decrease for a while until other body sensations are felt and the same urge to check will start again. This is very exhausting since the person is under continuous body surveillance.
What can you do?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a helpful approach in learning how to identify and challenge those automatic thoughts that are called ‘irrational’ and replace them with the help of various practical strategies. Some people will respond well to a combination of prescribed medication given by their treating psychiatrist in parallel to CBT. This decision will be dependent on severity and individual case treatment formulation.
Here are some suggestions:
☐ First, avoid trying to diagnose yourself by browsing on the internet.
☐ Write down a list of your concerns about each of your physical symptoms and what makes you think so.
☐ Consult a psychologist or a medical doctor to discuss your notes one by one and then write down what was discussed, concluded and explained with your treating therapist / doctor.
☐ Learning specific strategies that can assist in managing the anxious irrational thoughts will help. For example, specific and timely breathing techniques, grounding exercises, emotional freedom techniques can help but so too can listening to music, learning yoga and other mindfulness practices.
☐ Write down helpful affirmations to assist in redirecting your self talk. For example, “I have been checked out by my doctor, the new symptoms don’t mean I really have a medical illness. This is what I will choose to think when I’m experiencing an anxious episode” etc.
Working with a qualified psychotherapist. Online consultations are as effective as in person.
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