A hypochondriac is someone who lives with the fear that they have a serious, but undiagnosed medical condition, even though diagnostic tests show there is nothing wrong with them. Hypochondriacs experience extreme anxiety from the bodily responses most people take for granted.
How do you know if you are a hypochondriac?
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Being preoccupied with having or getting a serious disease or health condition.
- Worrying that minor symptoms or body sensations mean you have a serious illness.
- Being easily alarmed about your health status.
- Finding little or no reassurance from doctor visits or negative test results.
Is it normal to be a hypochondriac?
Illness anxiety disorder (hypochondria) is extremely rare. It affects about 0.1% of Americans. It typically appears during early adulthood. Illness anxiety disorder can affect all ages and genders.
