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Suggest Alternative Treatment For Hypochondria
Question: How can I get help for my hypochondria without taking medication?
My hypochondria started about five years ago when I had mt first panic attack. It gets better and worse depending on my physical symptoms. I started to have really bad leg pain this October and convinced myself its a blood clot. After going to the ER and having two ultrasounds done that did not show any clots, im still not convinced. I try to shake my health obsession off but its really tough especially when everyone around me doesn't quite understand it and thinks im overreacting all the time. What can i do?
My hypochondria started about five years ago when I had mt first panic attack. It gets better and worse depending on my physical symptoms. I started to have really bad leg pain this October and convinced myself its a blood clot. After going to the ER and having two ultrasounds done that did not show any clots, im still not convinced. I try to shake my health obsession off but its really tough especially when everyone around me doesn't quite understand it and thinks im overreacting all the time. What can i do?
Brief Answer:
Hypochondria can be treated with behavior therapy.
Detailed Answer:
HI.
I had gone through your query and understand your concern about hypochondriasis.
Hypochondriasis means abnormal illness behavior and it can be part of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) spectrum or it is categorized as separate diagnostic entity as illness anxiety disorder in DSM 5.
Patients of hypochondriasis presented with Physical or psychological symptoms and they believe to be diagnosed with a serious illness. It is medically unexplained symptoms without any underlying pathology.
You have same kind of illness anxiety in which investigations come normal and you do not able to accept this fact. There are psychological reasons behind your physical complain and need to evaluate in detail.
Treatment of hypochondriasis is the effort to help each patient find a better way to overcome the way his/her medically unexplained symptoms.
Behavior therapy can help to find alternative approach to reduce anxiety. Cognitive behavior therapy is the choice for Illness anxiety disorder.
It can be treated with Selective serotonin re uptake inhibitors (SSRI) like fluoxetine and sertraline along with anxiolytic. Need to take opinion of psychiatrist before taking any medicines.
So consult and get further assistance.
Glad to help you further.
Hypochondria can be treated with behavior therapy.
Detailed Answer:
HI.
I had gone through your query and understand your concern about hypochondriasis.
Hypochondriasis means abnormal illness behavior and it can be part of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) spectrum or it is categorized as separate diagnostic entity as illness anxiety disorder in DSM 5.
Patients of hypochondriasis presented with Physical or psychological symptoms and they believe to be diagnosed with a serious illness. It is medically unexplained symptoms without any underlying pathology.
You have same kind of illness anxiety in which investigations come normal and you do not able to accept this fact. There are psychological reasons behind your physical complain and need to evaluate in detail.
Treatment of hypochondriasis is the effort to help each patient find a better way to overcome the way his/her medically unexplained symptoms.
Behavior therapy can help to find alternative approach to reduce anxiety. Cognitive behavior therapy is the choice for Illness anxiety disorder.
It can be treated with Selective serotonin re uptake inhibitors (SSRI) like fluoxetine and sertraline along with anxiolytic. Need to take opinion of psychiatrist before taking any medicines.
So consult and get further assistance.
Glad to help you further.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
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