Many individuals can relate to the feeling of believing they have a health issue, mental disorder, or illness, even when not officially diagnosed.

This may occur after researching symptoms like stomach issues online (and then worrying about what you’ve found!) or hearing about an illness circulating among your friends or family, which leads you to think you might have it too. It’s particularly common when it comes to mental health disorders that aren’t well understood; for instance, someone might self-diagnose with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) just because they prefer a clean and organized environment, or assume they have ADHD simply due to difficulty focusing sometimes.

While having concerns or anxieties about a potential health issue is normal, according to Dr. Neha Pathak, chief physician editor at WebMD and a former doctor at the Department of Veterans Affairs, worrying excessively without a formal diagnosis “can significantly interfere with your daily joy and overall well-being.”

People who frequently experience this kind of worry are often referred to as hypochondriacs.

Understanding Hypochondria

A hypochondriac is someone who excessively fears having a medical condition, “even when medical assessments show otherwise,” explains Dr. Jason Nagata, a specialist in adolescent medicine at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco. He notes that this condition, once known as hypochondriasis, was redefined in 2013 into two distinct conditions: “illness anxiety disorder” and “somatic symptom disorder,” based on specific factors for each. “Both disorders share significant health anxiety, but the key difference is that somatic symptom disorder includes more prominent physical symptoms, while those are either absent or mild in illness anxiety disorder,” he elaborates.

Individuals experiencing hypochondria may be so convinced they are seriously ill that it becomes challenging to change their beliefs. “They may continuously switch healthcare providers, searching for someone who confirms their illness,” adds Juanita Guerra, PhD, a clinical psychologist in New Rochelle, New York.

Throughout this process, these individuals frequently endure ongoing and intrusive anxiety, which can significantly disrupt their daily lives.

Nagata mentions that if left untreated, this issue could lead to serious health concerns. “Studies show that chronic anxiety linked to hypochondria may increase the risk of developing conditions like heart disease, making it a critical concern both mentally and physically,” he states.

According to Aron Tendler, a board-certified psychiatrist and chief medical officer at BrainsWay, approximately 8% of people suffer from hypochondria or illness anxiety disorder. He notes that this condition not only affects individuals but also places a substantial strain on the healthcare system.

What leads to hypochondria?

Even though hypochondria is widespread, “the exact causes remain unclear,” says Pathak. “However, factors such as a family history of serious illness, extreme stress and anxiety, personal health scares, or traumatic experiences from child abuse, neglect, or other forms of emotional or physical harm can contribute.”

Guerra points out that excessive internet usage for health-related searches or engaging with social media accounts that promote fear can exacerbate the issue. It might also stem from dealing with persistent intrusive thoughts or having personality traits like being a chronic worrier or overthinker.

Tendler remarks that hypochondria is often tied to “comorbidity,” meaning those who experience it may also have other psychiatric conditions such as OCD, depression, personality disorders, anxiety, or PTSD.

How can hypochondriacs find help?

Regardless of the underlying causes, this condition is typically treatable if the individual seeks assistance “by consulting a medical or mental health professional,” says Nagata.

Guerra suggests starting with a primary care physician, who can first eliminate any potential physical health concerns. “Once the doctor confirms there is no actual illness, they can refer the individual to a specialist or mental health expert for further treatment,” she explains.

Pathak mentions that common treatments for illness anxiety disorder or somatic symptom disorder include talk therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, which help modify thought patterns. Sometimes, medications like antidepressants may also be beneficial, with healthcare providers creating personalized treatment plans for each patient. “The treatment’s aim,” she adds, “is to lessen symptoms and enhance daily living.”