Hypochondriasis

A person’s unrealistic belief that he or she is suffering from a serious illness, despite medical reassurance. Hypochondriacs worry constantly about their health and interpret any symptom, however trivial, as evidence of disease. Hypochondriasis may be a complication of other psychological disorders, including phobia, obsessive–compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and brain diseases such as dementia. Other factors include social stresses and personality type. Where possible, treatment is of the underlying mental disorder. Hypochondriasis without an underlying cause is difficult to treat.