Hypochondriacal syndrome

Ancient doctors believed that the hypochondriacal phenomenon is associated with the hypochondrium. But in the last century a discovery was made - hypochondriacal syndrome can develop with various nervous disorders and occur in different parts of the body. Let's consider this condition and the ways of its treatment in more detail.

Symptoms of hypochondriac syndrome

First of all, it is important to note that this syndrome is an unhealthy focus on one's own state of health, as a result of which the personality unreasonably ascribes to himself many diseases.

1. Astheno-hypochondriacal syndrome . It can develop because of nervous overload. The patient focuses his attention on non-existent problems of his own health. May occur: headache, lethargy, anxiety, discomfort, pain in different parts of the body, mood swings, sleep interruptions, lack of appetite. These symptoms can last for years in the absence of any real diseases. With increased stress or agitation, they can become aggravated.
2. Anxiety-hypochondriacal syndrome . This type of syndrome also develops in depression, psychosis or nervous breakdown. Most often, its manifestation is noticeable during stress in severe form. The phenomenon is characterized by the presence of obsessive thoughts about sexually transmitted diseases, cancer, malignant tumors, etc. Ordinary sensations seem to the hypochondriacs something abnormal. Even the doctor's conclusion about the absence of diseases is powerless here - the patient will believe only his own emotions and seek new specialists. In some cases, this syndrome can develop with non-serious diseases of some organs.
3. Depressive-hypochondriacal syndrome . The phenomenon is also tied up against a background of nervous experiences. But this form is more severe. Thoughts about serious diseases can provoke a bad mood. The patient is very hard to change his mind about the absence of any pathologies. Hypochondriacs, without knowing it, are harmful to their body - the power of persuasion plays a role, so the general condition can worsen even in the absence of a real threat.
4. Hypochondriacal isleptocystic syndrome . In most situations arises in schizophrenia and is expressed in the form of beliefs in an unreal phenomenon. Appears along with inexplicable sensations on the body and in the organs, under the scalp and in the extremities. These feelings are often observed with strokes ( panic attack ). As a rule, this form of the syndrome develops with sluggish schizophrenia, when delusional ideas have not yet fully mastered the patient's consciousness.

Treatment of hypochondriac syndrome

Concern for their non-existent disease can last for years. Unlike most pathologies, the hypochondriac syndrome is not treated with medication. Only a therapist will help here, who can identify the cause of the disease and eliminate the symptoms. If the patient copes with depression, the hypochondriacal condition immediately recedes. When treating hypochondria, support from relatives, the doctor is very important. If there is trust between the doctor and the patient, recovery will come very quickly.

Methods of treatment depend on the original cause of the disease. Many psychotherapists use hypnosis and auto-training. They try their best to instill optimism and cheerfulness in the patient. If the condition is extremely severe, the patient is treated in a psychiatric hospital, under constant surveillance of psychiatrists. Reception of medicines is prescribed very rarely and only with severe exacerbations.