What is Hypochondria?


Hypochondria is a state of mind in which the patient persistently and morbidly worries about his health, even though he has no disease. The patient, convinced that he is ill, complains of puzzling symptoms. He seeks, and may receive, various medical treatments. But at best, he gets only temporary relief. Although hypochondria is not an official medical term, vague symptoms of this kind are frequently seen in persons with various neuroses. In popular usage, any person complaining of vague or persistent symptoms may be called a hypochondriac.