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.

What is Fibromyalgia - What You Should Know!

Posted by glos Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 4:04 PM

Fibromyalgia is a mysterious conglomeration of various and variable complaints linked together as a syndrome and was not recognized officially as a complaint until two or three decades ago. Therefore, the question of what is fibromyalgia did not arise until recent times.When investigating the question what is fibromyalgia one has to take into consideration the fact that the medical profession has not yet arrived at a final answer to this question, but currently associates the amalgamated problems with the central nervous system or that of an overactive pain system.

Among the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia sufferers are muscle pain and weakness, problems with sleeping, fatigue and exhaustion, tender spots where pain erupts on slight pressure, and morning stiffness. Other conditions that may be attributed to fibromyalgia include excess sensitivity, depression, headaches, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, numbness or tingling of the extremities, chest pain and mood changes.

Due to the vast array of possible symptoms, diagnosis is often a difficulty; prior to two decades ago, medical staff usually put down the fibromyalgia symptoms to hypochondria or exaggeration, as there was no physical representation of the problems such as damaged tissue or inflammation visible in response to their tests. Now that it has been officially recognized as a disorder and is the cause of further scientific and medical research, perhaps the question of what is fibromyalgia can eventually have an answer.

Currently, diagnosis depends mainly on two factors. The first contributinge factor being a history of generalized pain that has affected the entire body, left and right as well as upper and lower, for a duration of at least three months. The second factor being based on their being tenderness located in at least eleven of the eighteen specific points known as tender points.

When originally recognized as a medical syndrome, fibromyalgia was attributed to the family of rheumatology and arthritis, due to the essential factor of joint pain and muscle stiffness. It remained unrecognized as a disorder or illness by the American Medical Association until 1987, despite having first been accepted as existent in the early eighteen hundreds under former titles such as fibrositis and muscular rheumatism.

The question of what is fibromyalgia precisely has yet to be answered; however, various treatments to assist sufferers have been suggested and developed whilst medical scientists further explore the question. What is fibromyalgia is a question still to be completely answered.

Currently, the question of how to best treat the symptoms to ease the discomfort of sufferers is prevalent over the question of what is fibromyalgia. There are numerous additional factors present in some patients, whilst others simply experience the overall sense of exhaustion, have difficulty sleeping, and suffer from joint and muscle problems.

Dependent upon the conditions present, once diagnosed, the medical profession may offer medication and other treatments, suggest herbal remedies and lifestyle changes, or prescribe various alternate forms such as acupuncture, yoga and dietary changes. However, the medical profession has yet to fully comprehend and answer the question of what is fibromyalgia.

Each specific has to be considered and treated separately, as there remains no answer to the question of what is fibromyalgia and hence no cure. Current research is attempting to establish the connectivity between fibromyalgia and pain sensitivity, reaction to current medicines and treatments, and the significance of the hereditary factor.

Until medical research can establish further information and facts related to fibromyalgia, it can only offer ways to alleviate the various symptoms and suggest that patients suffering fro the disorder attempt to obtain sufficient sleep, take their prescription medications, make alterations to their diet and possibly their working habits also, and partake of proper levels of exercise. Yoga, herbal remedies and acupuncture will often assist with the pain problem in the meantime. What is fibromyalgia is a question that has yet to be completely answered.



Autor: Sara Jowers

Sara Jowers is a research writer specializing in illnesses that predominently affect women. Go here for more great tips and advice on chronic fibromyalgia


Added: June 6, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

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