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Also called hypochondriasis, hypochondria, is a serious mental disorder that can sometimes control the lives of those affected, sometimes to the point where it can be disabling. People with hypochondria are convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that they have a serious disease or illness. Nothing seems to reassure them that they are healthy individuals.
Hypochondria is a type of psychosomatic disorder meaning it's a psychological disorder with symptoms that are physical. Often times, these bodily symptoms are actually real, like perhaps a cough or stomach pain. However, people with hypochondria either misinterpret these symptoms and/or attribute them to a disease that doesn’t really exist such as cancer or heart disease.
Common symptoms of hypochondria include:
- Excessive fear or anxiety about having a particular disease or condition
- Constant worry that minor symptoms are related to a serious illness
- Seeking repeated medical exams or consultations
- Frequently switching doctors
- Strained social relationships
- Obsessive health research
- Emotional distress
- Frequently checking of your body for problems, such as lumps or sores
- Frequent checking of vital signs, such as pulse or blood pressure
- Thinking you have a disease after reading or hearing or learning about it
The intensity of hypochondria can vary from person to person. Some people are so convinced that they have a disease that their lives primarily consist of doctor visits seeking what they believe to be a proper diagnosis.
Conversely, another extreme exists in people with hypochondria. Instead of revolving their lives around doctor visits, some people avoid them at all costs because of their fear of bad news.
The exact cause of hypochondria still remains unknown but some experts now believe that hypochondria is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder. More research however is needed to solidify that claim.
If you believe you may have hypochondria, see a professional healthcare practitioner for a correct diagnosis.
Supplementing with the following may be helpful for people with hypochondria:
Magnesium ((750 mg daily) - Relieves anxiety, tension and nervousness.
SAMe (take as directed on label) - Natural anti-depressant.
Vitamin B Complex (100 mg of each major B vitamin) - Promotes normal nervous system function.
Vitamin C (3,000 mg daily) - Decreases stress and aids brain function.
Zinc (50 mg daily) - Calms the central nervous system.
Valerian - Reduces anxiety and is useful in treating hypochondria.
Kava - Has a calming affect that can aid sleep, restlessness and anxiety.
Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement (take as directed on label) - Reduces anxiety and stress.
5-HTP (take as directed on label) - Helps regulate mood, appetite, behavior and sleep.
Melatonin - Induces restful sleep.
Passionflower, Chamomile and Catnip - Are safe, natural sedatives that promote relaxation and prevent panic attacks.
* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.
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