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

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.

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.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

• Yarn Safe has mental health and wellbeing information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Wellmob has more mental health information and resources that are culturally relevant.