Problem: Although physical exams show you to be in good health, you frequently worry that you are suffering from a serious disease.
You are thoroughly convinced that your aches and pains are symptoms of cancer or heart disease; your fatigue, AIDS or multiple sclerosis, your muscle weakness, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
You obsess over any and every physical sensation believing it to be a symptom of illness.
Solution: The first step is to obtain professional help to find out what is really going on. If no medical cause for your aches and pains can be found, you may be suffering from hypochondria, an often revealing expression of the mind-body connection.
For years, people suffering from hypochondria were thought to be self-absorbed fakers. Now, hypochondria is recognized as one of a puzzling group of disorders that seem to lie at the intersection of the physical and mental systems.
Fear and dread are the primary emotional and mental symptoms of hypochondria. If you are a hypochondriac, you fear and dread illness to a degree that is out of proportion to the reality of your chances of becoming ill.
Despite your doctor's reassurances, you chronically worry over and analyze every physical sensation. You search out magazine articles and medical textbooks for information about diseases. Your fear of being sick is so obsessive that it interferes with your work and family life obstructing your ability to think about almost anything else.
Where does hypochondria come from? Researchers suggest several possible causes. Those suffering from hypochondria may:
Be physically overly sensitive, extremely "in tune" with their bodies.
Have an imbalance of one of the brain chemicals that regulates impulse and mood.
Be acting out learned (from parents and family members) anxiety about health.
Be unconsciously fearful or depressed about past or present circumstances.
Be suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder which prevents the ability to control irrational ideas or behaviors.
If you think you may be suffering from hypochondria, seek professional help as soon as possible.
Hypochondria, like many forms of anxiety, creates patterns of thought and behavior that become entrenched over time and more difficult to treat, so the sooner you seek treatment most likely the easier it will be to overcome this disorder.
Seek out mental health professionals who are able to help you uncover any underlying fears, unresolved issues or depression that may be the true cause of your hypochondria and can also make any necessary referrals for physical exams and/or medications.
With education, desensitization and behavior therapy, you can learn to overcome your hypochondria and live a life free of unrealistic fears of illness.
Based in Rockport, personal life coach Susan Britt, M.Ed., a former psychotherapist, teaches individuals, couples and families to resolve relationship conflicts, achieve life and career goals and accelerate personal growth. Questions and comments may be addressed to her at susanbritt1@verizon.net or through her website www.personalcoachsusanbritt.com.
Kristen Stewart 'On the Road' to Cannes
Mads Mikkelsen on 'The Hunt' in Cannes
Brad Pitt Dispels Wedding Date Rumors at Cannes
Gerard Butler: the Good, the Bad and the Cannes
ShowBiz Minute: Gibb, Billboard, Smith
Robin Gibb of Bee Gees Dies at 62
Raw Video: Will Smith Slaps Journalist
Wes Anderson Makes His Cannes Debut
Tony Nominee Josh Young on Judas Role in 'JCS'
Jaime King's Southern Belle Secrets
ShowBiz Minute: Summer, Gaga, Beckham
Fans Pay Tribute to Donna Summer
Glenn Frey on New Solo Record, Eagles
Disco Queen Donna Summer Dies at 63
Brooklyn Decker Talks Career and Gowns
ShowBiz Minute: Brown, Cannes, Monroe
The 'Men in Black' Are Back
Wes Anderson's 'Moonrise' Opens Cannes
Carole King Receives Icon Award
Students in Tornado-hit Community Await Lady A
