Hypochondriasis refers to a condition where patients overly focus on their own health, suspecting abnormalities in certain parts of their body or specific organs. Despite clinical examinations showing no objective evidence of illness, these individuals persistently believe they are suffering from some disease, accompanied by symptoms of anxiety and restlessness. Patients often exhibit traits such as being overly sensitive, suspicious, subjectively stubborn, cautious, excessively concerned with their physical state, and have a personality characterized by a pursuit of perfection.
Experts warn: Hypochondriasis should not be ignored as it significantly affects the physical and mental well-being of the patient. Therefore, it is essential to seek treatment at a reputable hospital promptly, without delay, to avoid irreversible consequences. The Shenyang Tianqiao Mental Health Research and Treatment Center offers specialized online consultation services where authoritative experts answer questions related to various diseases. Based on individual conditions, they provide professional personalized guidance and treatment plans while ensuring confidentiality for the patient.
Individuals with hypochondriasis often display prominent characteristics in the following areas:
(1) Adherence to health preservation principles. They maintain a regulated diet, follow a routine for daily activities, practice sexual restraint, emphasize nutrition, value various folk fitness methods and secrets, consume supplements frequently, and easily trust secret remedies.
(2) Excessive attention to sensations originating from internal organs and limbs. Patients often experience unusual sensory experiences and show great concern for complexion, tongue coating, pulse, weight, bowel movements, etc. They are highly sensitive to changes in lifestyle and weather, and tend to suffer from water and soil incompatibility (difficulty adapting to new environments).
(3) A particular interest in medical knowledge, making them easily influenced by doctors and medical books. Hearing or seeing others fall ill can easily make them feel they have similar symptoms. When sick, they worry excessively and fearfully, mistaking minor issues like heat rash for more serious conditions like syphilis sores. Their symptoms often last longer and are more severe compared to others with the same condition. They believe that medications either have significant side effects or lead to drug resistance, concluding that treatment is difficult and results unsatisfactory.
(4) Self-perception of congenital insufficiency and acquired imbalance, believing they were weak and prone to illness since childhood, yet unable to benefit from tonics. This belief is deeply rooted.
(5) Extreme fear of biological dangers, such as snake bites, dog attacks, drowning, fire hazards, traffic accidents, darkness, and death.