Overview

Hypochondriasis (or hypochondria, sometimes referred to as health phobia) refers to an excessive preoccupation or worry about having a serious illness. Often, hypochondria persists even after a physician has evaluated a person and reassured him/her that his/her concerns about symptoms do not have an underlying medical basis or, if there is a medical illness, the concerns are far in excess of what is appropriate for the level of disease. Many people suffering from this disorder focus on a particular symptom as the catalyst of their worrying, such as gastro-intestinal problems, palpitations, or muscle fatigue.

Hypochondria is often characterized by fears that minor bodily symptoms may indicate a serious illness, constant self-examination and self-diagnosis, and a preoccupation with one's body. Many individuals with hypochondriasis express doubt and disbelief in the doctors' diagnosis, and report that doctors’ reassurance about an absence of a serious medical condition is unconvincing, or un-lasting. Many hypochondriacs require constant reassurance, either from doctors, family, or friends, and the disorder can become a disabling torment for the individual with hypochondriasis, as well as his or her family and friends. Some hypochondriacal individuals are completely avoidant of any reminder of illness, whereas others are frequent visitors of doctors’ offices. Other hypochondriacs will never speak about their terror, convinced that their fear of having a serious illness will not be taken seriously by those in whom they confide.

Hypochondria - Breaking the Habit Naturally

Hypochondriasis is not a derogatory term. It is a somatic disorder that proves to be real and difficult for many individuals. The person may experience symptoms of a physical ailment and yet anxiety is the culprit. An overactive mind and body is the result of constant worry.

Symptoms of hypochondria usually follow a prolonged period of worry, usually concerning an undiagnosed symptom.

Signs of Hypochondria:
Symptoms often "jump" from one area to another, Examples: stomach (digestion, IBS),

headache, skin, dizziness, flushing, lethargy, death and health fears in general.

- Doctor Shopping:
Seeking out doctor after doctor until locating one which will tell them what they wish to hear.

- Appetite Loss: Worry induced

- Adrenal Fatigue:

The Result of Constant Worry: Exhaustion, weakness, fearfulness, lack of appetite, insomnia, tension, irritability, achiness.

- Insomnia: Overactive mind, racing thoughts.
- Feelings of Depersonalization/Derealization: a mind exhausted from worry and elevated cortisol levels.
- Memory Loss/Confusion: Tired mind.
- Lack of Concentration: Exhaustion
- Related Recollections: Recollection of someone close or acquaintance who recently fell ill, with specific disease, specific symptoms.

PRESCRIPTION FOR CURE

- Acknowledgement of this condition and triggers (there are always triggers).

- Boosting Serontonin levels. Specific behavioral changing, neutralizing diet, and specific exercise work as well as most medications for relief.

- Reprogramming the mind, retraining the brain to view intrusive ailments in a less reactive manner...as perspective changes from negative to realistic.

- Learning to put down resistance after experiencing the peace of mind and true control one may exert over every aspect of their lives.

- Nutrition: Using the foods you eat to work for you rather than against you. A good diet will hold these impulses in check and allow you to view your health realistically.

- Behavioral Changes: Learning to take your thoughts and under-react to them...instead of shifting into instant worse case scenario.

Taking life as it comes and enjoying the moment. Remaining in the present instead of looking backward into the past or forward into the future. This is the key to peace of mind.



Autor: Ronnie Freedman

Dr. Ronnie Freedman

Anxiety Busters, Inc.

http://www.anxietybusters.com

Your Natural Prescription for Anxiety Relief


Added: May 16, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

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