Hypochondriasis

Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondria, Hypochondriasis) is an anxiety disorder that involves excessive preoccupation with health-related worries when there is no illness. Patients frequent medical health professionals to seek reassurance and constantly discuss their health. The disorder is commonly found among patients who have a history of childhood abuse or trauma or have a complicated health history. Read on to learn more about signs and symptoms of Hypochondriasis and various types of Hypochondriasis.
The blog extensively explains What are the best treatments for Illness Anxiety Disorder, what is living with hypochondriasis like and how to support loved ones who are suffering from Hypochondriasis.

What is Illness Anxiety Disorder?

Illness Anxiety Disorder, also called Hypochondria or Hypochondriasis is an obsessive worry about having a serious medical condition when there are no symptoms. It involves constantly worrying about health problems despite negative test results or recurrence from doctors. The disorder can disable a patient mentally. Patients are preoccupied with thoughts of falling ill when there are no concrete medical issues.

Statistics and Facts

Anxiety disorders are becoming more common among the Indian population. On a global level, there is an increase in anxiety disorders after COVID-19. According to certain reports, there is a 25% increase in mental health cases in India and abroad. Recent studies report that a 5.7% lifetime prevalence of health anxiety leads to increased usage of healthcare.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Myth 1: Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondria, Hypochondriasis) does not have any impact on physical health.
Fact 1: False. Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondria, Hypochondriasis) can have an adverse impact on a person’s health. Patients often opt for a restrictive diet to treat imaginary symptoms, causing deterioration of physical health.

Myth 2: Antidepressants are enough to treat Illness Anxiety Disorder.
Fact 2: False. Patients must seek professional help if the erratic behaviour lasts longer than 6 months. Self-medication can have a negative impact on physical and mental health which is strongly advised against.

What’s the difference between Illness Anxiety Disorder and Somatic Symptom Disorder?

Illness Anxiety Disorder is the excessive fear of having a serious illness despite the absence of symptoms. Somatic Symptom Disorder, on the other hand, focuses on distressing physical symptoms without worrying about a specific illness. Patients associate their symptoms with all kinds of illnesses without consulting a doctor.

What are the types of Illness Anxiety Disorder?

• Care-Seeking
  Care-seeking illness anxiety disorder is when patients frequently visit healthcare facilities to consult specialists. They tend to undergo multiple tests, repeatedly seek assurance about the diagnosis and do not feel satisfied with negative results.
• Care-Avoidant
  Care-avoidant illness anxiety disorder is when patients avoid doctors or health professionals due to a lack of trust in them. This fuels their anxiety and leaves symptoms unchecked which worsens their fears. Another version of Hypochondriasis is “Cyberchondria” in which an individual constantly searches for illnesses online. Somatic Sensitivity is another form of Hypochondriasis in which an individual mistakes normal bodily sensations for symptoms aggravating their paranoia.

What are the complications of Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondria)?

• Constant worry and fear of contracting a disease can impact the physical and mental well-being of a patient. Lower self-confidence adversely affects the self-esteem of a patient affecting human relationships.
• The disorder can disrupt the routine of an individual and adversely impact relationships. Financial problems and unemployment are other problems that crop up with Hypochondriasis.
• If left untreated, patients can develop depression, severe anxiety and even isolate themselves. Eventually, Hypochondriasis can worsen the quality of life and affect an individual’s competency.

What are the symptoms of Illness Anxiety Disorder?

• Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondria, Hypochondriasis) is predominantly characterised by a preoccupation with the idea of having a serious illness without any evidence.
• Patients live in a perpetual state of fear triggered by normal body sensations. The most minor symptoms like a headache can make a patient feel uncomfortable and vulnerable.
• Patients constantly check the body for any signs of a disease. They frequently visit the doctor at the slightest inconvenience seeking reassurance despite negative results.
• Patients can even get anxiety attacks that disrupt their daily functioning and make it difficult to work. Their search history on the internet will include random symptoms of health problems.
• Some patients will also avoid seeking medical help from doctors fearing that they might be diagnosed with a health problem. Complete preoccupation with disorders and health problems impairs the functioning of a patient.

What Causes Hypochondriasis?

• Patients diagnosed with Hypochondria usually have an anxious personality. History of serious mental health disorders, trauma, or losing a loved one to a disease or abuse can be a contributing factor.
• Patients who tend to worry excessively are more prone to Hypochondria. Reading about diseases and infections online can trigger an unwanted response. Although there is no specific reason to develop a psychological disorder, innate human nature or certain circumstances can make a person suffer from Hypochondria.

Treatment Options
Treating Illness Anxiety Disorder can be challenging because therapists have to take care of other accompanying disorders as well. Therefore, a combination of therapies, lifestyle changes and medication can fully treat a patient.

Diagnosis
Here are 4 criteria that must be met to diagnose Illness Anxiety Disorder.
1. Persistently worrying about falling ill and overthinking about a mild condition.
2. High anxiety levels that are easily triggered by common problems.
3. Frequently seeing doctors for checkups or completely avoiding medical professionals fearing a proper diagnosis.
4. This behaviour should last for more than six months.

The diagnosis procedure also involves scans and tests to rule out physical ailments. Doctors ensure that the patient has not suffered from any brain injury or is not consuming any medication that could lead to such behaviour.

What are the best treatments for Illness Anxiety Disorder?

1. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is very effective in treating Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondria, Hypochondriasis). The therapy identifies negative thought patterns that worsen symptoms. Triggers for overthinking are recognised and healthier coping mechanisms are developed. As a complementary therapy, Behavioural Stress Management therapy is also effective. By opting Through this psychotherapy, patients can prevent illness-focused thoughts during stressful situations. Therapists, therefore, control negative thoughts with CBT and prevent the exhibition of negative behaviour with Behavioural Stress Management therapy.

2. Group Therapy and Behaviour Modification
Group Therapy provides a supportive environment for the patient to recover faster. It validates their fears and eliminates the feeling of isolation. Patients feel normal about their habits and fears and try to improve themselves. The aim is to look at symptoms more logically and not panic. Behaviour Modification Therapy, on the other hand, trains patients to think positively. With Hypochondriasis, patients are trained to think that not every symptom is an indicator of major illness and that consulting a doctor would not harm them. Both therapies focus on building emotional resilience.

3. Drug Therapy
There is no particular medication that can be prescribed to treat Hypochondriasis. However, patients often exhibit symptoms of depression and anxiety. Therapists often prescribe antidepressants that can improve their condition. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) help in managing physical responses to stressful situations.

4. Alternative Therapies and Lifestyle Changes
Alternative therapies that encourage a patient to meditate and relax are helpful. Patients under stress and those who are overly anxious benefit from meditation and various grounding techniques. Adopting a sedentary lifestyle is discouraged among patients as a regular workout routine is important for a healthy life.

5. Nutritional Changes
At certain times, therapists work with nutritionists to ensure a complete recovery. Processed foods are discouraged by therapists. Patients are advised to consume foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and, a protein-rich diet and also advised to avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can be overly stimulating. Following a proper diet chart can alleviate symptoms of Hypochondriasis.

Living with Hypochondriasis

• Living with Hypochondria can be challenging as a patient is constantly worrying about his or her health. The disorder can get triggered when a patient either learns about a new disorder or when someone known is diagnosed with a disease or a health problem.
• Concentration at work wavers as a person is preoccupied with worrying thoughts about health. Consequently, a patient then suffers from financial and familial problems at home.
• Multiple test results and visiting doctors repeatedly can confuse a person further. This can have an adverse effect on a patients self-confidence, impairing his social relationships and conversation skills.
• Therapy can be equally daunting as well. Since there is a taboo associated with psychological disorders and taking counselling, patients often feel flustered and overwhelmed. Consistent irritability is also an expected behavioural change in a person’s personality.

How to Support Loved Ones with Hypochondriasis?

• Family and friends must give enough time and space to patients to get comfortable with therapy. Patients must be accompanied to the centre if they feel comfortable.
• Make sure that the counsellor briefs the patient about the procedure. Working patients need to organise counselling sessions with their work schedule. Therefore, make sure that the counsellor is informed on time.
• Patients must understand the intensity of their problem. Therapists frame the treatment plan according to the severity of the problem. Therefore, patients and families must be on the same page and information must be shared clearly.
• Constantly reassuring patients also works. Patients must be reassured of the fact that they are well and leading a healthy life. In case they are suffering from a disease, families must ensure they go for regular check-ups and consume a balanced diet.

Jagruti Treatment and Recovery

• Customised Treatment Plan
  Therapists at Jagruti Rehab Centre adopt a customised treatment plan. They make sure that every patient is treated according to the severity of the problem and that each symptom is addressed properly. Social and cultural factors and personal circumstances if a person is given due consideration.
• Organised Group Sessions
  Organised group sessions and family sessions are held for patients. The patients are informed about these sessions in advance. For explanation of symptoms and to brief patients about disorders, therapists use audio and visual tools. Therapists also provide the option for online therapy sessions for those patients who either live afar or do not live with their families.
• Holistic Treatment Approach
  Therapists at Jagruti Rehab Centre work on improving the minds and bodies of the patients. Experienced nutritionists and expert medical staff ensure that the patients take a healthy diet and consume balanced meals at regular intervals. Meditation in common areas, socializing with others and creative skills are also developed.
• Relapse Prevention
  Relapse is an important part of the treatment. Patients at Jagruti Rehab Centre are signed up for post-treatment care. Interviews and sessions are planned after the main treatment is over. Therapists analyse the patient’s behaviour, interview him or her and work on those habits that could cause a relapse. Relaxation techniques might be altered as per their recovery. Families and partners are also interviewed.