Hypochondria
5-minute read
Key facts
- Hypochondria is a type of anxiety disorder.
- People with hypochondria frequently worry about their health, even when nothing is seriously wrong.
- Signs can include going to the doctor frequently without feeling reassured, talking a lot about health and spending excessive time online researching symptoms.
- Hypochondria is more common in people who have a history of childhood neglect or abuse, serious physical illness and mental health issues.
- Treatment can include cognitive behaviour therapy and medicines, if needed.
What is hypochondria?
Hypochondria is a type of anxiety disorder. It is also known as health anxiety or hypochondriasis.
It is normal for people to worry about their health now and then. But people who experience hypochondria become very worried that they are seriously ill or are about to become seriously ill, even if they have only mild symptoms.
Some people with hypochondria have a medical condition that they continue to worry about. Other people with hypochondria are physically healthy, but have an overwhelming fear about their future health. For example, they might think: “What if I get cancer?” or that a lump they find ‘must’ be cancerous.
People with hypochondria can become so distressed and so anxious that they have trouble doing everyday things.
What causes hypochondria?
It is not clear why some people develop hypochondria. It is likely a range of factors play a role, including:
- family history of anxiety disorders
- previous major stress, illness or a death in the family
- previous trauma or abuse
- a history of serious physical illness
- mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, a compulsive disorder or a psychotic illness
- tendency to worry, as part of one's personality
Certain activities can trigger an episode of anxiety in someone who has hypochondriasis, including:
- reading about diseases on the internet
- watching a television program that features a serious illness
- knowing someone with a serious medical condition
- feeling unwell or noticing lumps or bumps
What are the symptoms of hypochondria?
Symptoms of hypochondria can include obsessive and behavioural symptoms such as:
- thinking a lot about having a serious illness
- seeing a doctor frequently but not accepting reassurances that they are healthy
- seeking out lots of medical tests
- spending hours on the internet studying symptoms
Social and emotional symptoms include:
- talking frequently about health with friends and family
- difficulty sleeping
- family, work and social difficulties because of concerns about health
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
When should I see my doctor?
If you think you have hypochondria and it’s affecting your day-to-day activities, it’s important to seek help. Speaking to your doctor is a good place to start, and they can help you access a mental health treatment plan if necessary.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How is hypochondria treated?
There are a range of effective treatments for hypochondria:
- Psychoeducation gives a clear and honest assessment of the causes of concern and provides advice and self-help resources.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy through a counsellor or psychologist can help develop and progress towards goals.
- Medicines such as antidepressants can help reduce anxiety.
Exercise, sleep, and a healthy diet can also help reduce stress and anxiety.
Resources and support
If you’d like to find out more or talk to someone you can call:
- the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- MindSpot— for anyone suffering from anxiety call 1800 61 44 34.
- Beyond Blue — Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.
This Way Up provides online programs to help improve the way you feel.
Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?
- SANE offers a range of support services on 1800 1887 263. Free translating and interpreting service available on 131 450.
- Transcultural Mental Health Centre has many resources about wellbeing and mental health in different languages.
- Beyond blue has translated mental health resources.