Hypochondria Cures

Hypochondria is a mental disorder characterized by fear of having serious or life-threatening illnesses regardless of your actual state of health. It is considered a psychosomatic disorder, which is a mental problem that manifests in physical ways. For those suffering from hypochondria, minor pains, twinges and other normal bodily sensations invoke intense fears of cancer and other serious health problems. Medications, therapy and self-care strategies can cure you of hypochondria in time but because it deals with very deep-rooted beliefs, not everyone can cure himself but instead learns to manage it as a chronic condition.

Therapy

• Therapy is the most important aspect of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, is most effective. This form of therapy helps you identify and understand the erroneous beliefs that cause anxiety about your health and help you eliminate behaviors that feed it, such as constantly checking your body for problems or constantly reading about disease

Medications

• Tricyclic and SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) antidepressants can relieve symptoms. However, they might not be an appropriate treatment for everyone with this condition, since the side effects can trigger fears of a serious health problem.

Information about Treatment

• It is very important to stick to your treatment plan. Go to all scheduled appointments and take your medications as directed. Reducing dosages suddenly or completely stopping your medicine can be very detrimental. Educate yourself about your condition; this will empower you to stick to your treatments and overcome damaging beliefs. Always be sure to contact your doctor if you notice any significant changes in how you feel.

Lifestyle Suggestions

• Exercise and staying active can help eradicate symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and depression. Find an activity you enjoy and try to do it regularly. Stay away from drugs and alcohol; they magnify all the negative emotions associated with this condition.

Self-care strategies

• Resist the urge to constantly go to new doctors to get tests and procedures. Find a doctor you trust. Avoid excessively researching health information or looking up possible causes of vague symptoms, which can indicate a multitude of health problems you can easily convince yourself you might have.