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.

Alternative Treatment For Emotional and Mental Health Disorders

There are very few conditions or illnesses that are entirely psychological or physical, and mental or emotional illnesses do become inextricably entangled with physical symptoms, which even the best therapist or doctor would find difficult to separate. Most mental problems are either pathological (caused by disease) or they are caused by problems in childhood and growing up, or stressful events of life. Stresses and problems affect every individual differently, and each person will adapt - or fail to do so - according to his or her physical and psychological makeup. Depressions are very common after illness because resistance is low emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Illness is common after depression for much the same reason.

Very few people suffer from problems that require hospitalization, and conditions can differ in severity from person to person. Common emotional or mental problems include addictions, agoraphobia, amnesia, anger, anxiety, bereavement, confusion, delirium, depression, eating disorders, fears, fright, grief, hallucinations, hypochondria, hysteria, insecurity, manic depression, memory loss, obsessions, panic attacks, paranoia, schizophrenia, sexual problems, sleep problems, stress, and unusual behavior.

Mental health problems are very common. Most of us experience depression or stress at some point in our lives, and literally millions of people in the Western world are diagnosed as mentally ill each year. Often fear of being out of control or of experiencing painful emotions means that we neglect our mental health, ignoring the warning signs of stress.

Alternative therapies and medicines can be helpful in preventing mental health problems by reducing stress, aiding relaxation, and reminding us that physical and mental health go together. For people who have already had mental health problems, alternative medicine can help reduce the chances of a relapse. It can also counteract the side effects of prescribed drugs.

Drugs can control symptoms and give short-term relief, but they do not get to the root of the problem. Alternative medicine's holistic approach - which looks at the underlying causes of symptoms in the context of the person's life and emotions - makes it ideally suitable for the treatment of many mental health problems.

An alternative practitioner should treat you as an individual, giving you attention and time to discuss your problems.

The so-called talking treatments of psychotherapy and counseling may seem the obvious treatment choice for people in mental distress, but there are many other alternative therapy options. For example, aromatherapy or acupuncture can aid relaxation, and ease pain, anxiety, and depression. Buying herbs remedies, or oils for your own use is an option, but for a full assessment and individually tailored treatment, a professional should be consulted.

It is vital that you feel comfortable with your chosen practitioner. A good one will tell you if they do nol think they can help you, and suggest another form of treatment, or another practitioner. They may also advise you to see a physician if they feel it is appropriate.



Autor: Robin Brain Robin Brain
Level: Basic PLUS
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Added: July 8, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

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