Hypochondriasis as A Mental Disorder Essay -- Psychology Disease Illne

hypochondriasis as A Mental Disorder Headache = Tumor. Cough = Tuberculosis. bulwark = struggle Cancer. Such is the thought process of a hypochodriac. As discoverlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV), hypochondriasis is an unrealistic interpretation of champions sensible sensations as abnormal, leading to the fear and belief that one has a ripe unhealthiness (1). This absorption with having a serious medical condition is one of the somatoform disorders and whitethorn be considered more as a symptom than a disease. In fact, hypochondriacal symptoms often appear as a start of different mental disorders, including forms of depression or schizophrenia (2). For this reason, a shutting probe of hypochondriacal behavior is necessary to properly diagnose and traverse unhurrieds. thither are six major components usually associated with these patients -Misinterpretation of physical symptoms to have a serious disease -Persistence of this misinterpret ation, regardless of medical reassurance -Preoccupation of lesser intensiveness than a delusional disorder -Significant distress and social/occupational disability because of this preoccupation -Disturbance duration of at least 6 months -The ruling out of early(a) anxiety, somatoform, and/or major depressive disorders (3) It is important to note that, spell the patient may not be suffering from any major disease, his/her intelligence of the symptoms is real. Additionally, while hypochondriacs may admit to being overly concerned, they give to the highest degree belike remain dissatisfied until diagnosed with an illness. For this reason, many hypochondriacs will shop for doctors who will furnish them with such an answer. The negative implications of this include a strain on the doctor-patient relationsh... ...olmi/chypo.htm2)Intelihealth hypochondriasis , Comprehensive site on hypochondriasis, with material provided by Harvard aesculapian instillhttp//www.intelihealth .com/IH/ihtIH?t=10773&p=br,IHWst,8271r,WSIHW000b,*3)Recognizing Hypochondriasis in Primary Care, report card by professors from the Research College of Nursing regarding hypochondria, etiologic theories, forms of the disorder, etc.http//www.springnet.com/springnet_jump.htm4)Hypochondriasis A young scene on Treatment, Article in the Psychiatric Times concerning treatment options for hypochondriacs http//www.mhsource.com/pt/p980768.jhtml?_requestid=3351235)Psychiatry Matters Hypochondriasis, basic site with definitions, symptom descriptions, treatments, etc. http//www.psychiatrymatters.md/International/Authfiles/Error.asp?404http//www.psychiatrymatters.md/cdt24Aug2001/index.asp Hypochondriasis as A Mental Disorder Essay -- Psychology Disease IllneHypochondriasis as A Mental Disorder Headache = Tumor. Cough = Tuberculosis. Mole = Skin Cancer. Such is the thought process of a hypochodriac. As defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV), hypochond riasis is an unrealistic interpretation of ones bodily sensations as abnormal, leading to the fear and belief that one has a serious disease (1). This preoccupation with having a serious medical condition is one of the somatoform disorders and may be considered more as a symptom than a disease. In fact, hypochondriacal symptoms often appear as a part of other mental disorders, including forms of depression or schizophrenia (2). For this reason, a close investigation of hypochondriacal behavior is necessary to properly diagnose and treat patients. There are six major components usually associated with these patients -Misinterpretation of physical symptoms to constitute a serious disease -Persistence of this misinterpretation, regardless of medical reassurance -Preoccupation of lesser intensity than a delusional disorder -Significant distress and social/occupational impairment because of this preoccupation -Disturbance duration of at least 6 months -The ruling out of other anxiety , somatoform, and/or major depressive disorders (3) It is important to note that, while the patient may not be suffering from any major disease, his/her perception of the symptoms is real. Additionally, while hypochondriacs may admit to being overly concerned, they will most likely remain dissatisfied until diagnosed with an illness. For this reason, many hypochondriacs will shop for doctors who will provide them with such an answer. The negative implications of this include a strain on the doctor-patient relationsh... ...olmi/chypo.htm2)Intelihealth Hypochondriasis , Comprehensive site on hypochondriasis, with material provided by Harvard Medical Schoolhttp//www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=10773&p=br,IHWst,8271r,WSIHW000b,*3)Recognizing Hypochondriasis in Primary Care, Report by professors from the Research College of Nursing regarding hypochondria, etiologic theories, forms of the disorder, etc.http//www.springnet.com/springnet_jump.htm4)Hypochondriasis A Fresh Outlook on Tre atment, Article in the Psychiatric Times concerning treatment options for hypochondriacs http//www.mhsource.com/pt/p980768.jhtml?_requestid=3351235)Psychiatry Matters Hypochondriasis, basic site with definitions, symptom descriptions, treatments, etc. http//www.psychiatrymatters.md/International/Authfiles/Error.asp?404http//www.psychiatrymatters.md/cdt24Aug2001/index.asp