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Hypochondriasis

Hypochondriasis. Silvia Gonzalez Psychology Period 5. Hypochondriasis. Mental disorder characterized by excessive fear of or preoccupation with a serious illness, despite medical testing and reassurance to the contrary. Associated Features.

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Hypochondriasis

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  1. Hypochondriasis Silvia Gonzalez Psychology Period 5

  2. Hypochondriasis • Mental disorder characterized by excessive fear of or preoccupation with a serious illness, despite medical testing and reassurance to the contrary

  3. Associated Features • Overwhelming fear of suffering from a serious, even deadly disease • Preoccupation despite medical evaluation negating such diseases • “Doctor Shopping”/ “People Shopping” • Significant distress or impairment due to preoccupation • Sympathy or temporary relief as reinforcement

  4. Associated Features • Frequently checking vital signs • Irritability • Depression

  5. Associated Features • DSM-IV-TR Criteria • Preoccupation with fears of having, or the idea that one has, a serous disease based on the person’s misinterpretation of bodily symptoms. • The preoccupation persists despite appropriate medical evaluation and reassurance. • The belief in Criterion A is not of delusional intensity(as in Delusional Disorder, Somatic Type)and it is not restricted to a circumscribed concern about appearance(as in Body Dysmorphic Disorder).

  6. Associated Features • The preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. • The duration of the disturbance is at least 6 months. • The preoccupation is not better accounted for by Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, a Major Depressive Episode, Separation Anxiety, or another Somatom Disorder

  7. Etiology • Traumatic experiences in early childhood such as physical/sexual abuse • Witnessing the death of a loved one due to illness • Serious diseases during childhood and motherly protectiveness • “Cardiac Cripple” in adulthood

  8. Prevalence • Somewhere between 1-5% of people • Primary care outpatients 2-7% • Equal between men and women • Can develop at any age • Can worsen if left untreated

  9. Prognosis • Chronic, lifelong illness • Few, short periods of remission • 60% suffer from major depression or anxiety disorders

  10. Treatment • Cognitive Therapy • Fear as major problem rather than vulnerability to illness • Behavioral Therapy • Manage stress and reduce some symptoms • Medications: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors Reduce stress and depression

  11. References American Psychological Association.(1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(4thEd.).Washington D.C.:American Psychological Association. Halgin, R.P. & Whitbourne, S.K.(2005). Abnormal psychology: clinical perspectives on psychological disorders.NewYork, NY:McGraw-Hill Myers, D.G.(2011).Myers’ psychology for ap.New York, NY:Worth Publishers

  12. Discussion Questions How does the media influence hypochondriacs? How can having a better relationship with others effect Hypochondriacs?

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