Hypochondriasis

Paper Summary:

The paper describes hypochondriasis as an individual's overwhelming and counterproductive preoccupation with his health and explains how hypochondriacs often misinterpret minor health problems or normal body functions as symptoms of an illness. The paper discusses the controversies surrounding the degree to which hypochondria is real, a symptom of depression or anxiety, or a disease in and of itself. The paper notes that hypochondriacs have long been observed, even in literature, notably in Jane Austen's "Emma".

Outline:
Part I: Description of Hypochondria
Part II: Controversies

From the Paper:

""You're such a hypochondriac!" The symptoms of hypochondriasis, the formal diagnostic term for hypochondria, have entered the popular vocabulary to such a degree that the condition has become the punch line of jokes, and is not seen as a serious, diagnosable medical disorder. To some degree, the illness is both fodder for Woody Allen films as well as a formal ailment, because the degree to which someone is be excessively worried about his or her health without being 'mentally ill,' can be highly subjective. Some degree of vigilance about one's health is not only normal, but beneficial and necessary, and when such a preoccupation has become overwhelming and counterproductive rather than a part of a healthy lifestyle must be determined on a case-by-case basis."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Austen, Jane. Emma. Full e-text available 18 Apr 2008 at http://www.austen.com/emma/
• "GPs should Google diagnosis: study." Nine MSNBC. 18 Nov 2007. 10 Apr 2008.http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=160924
• "Hypochondriasis." The Cleveland Clinic Department of Patient Education and Health Information. 17 Apr 2008.http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/3700/3783.asp?index=9886
• "Hypochondriasis." Psych Central. 17 Apr 2008.http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx57.htm
• Rierden, Andy. "CONNECTICUT Q & A: PETER SALOVEY; 'You Exaggerate Your Symptoms." The New York Times. 31 Dec 1989. 17 Apr 2008. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DE4D6103DF932A05751C1A96F948260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2

More papers on Hypochondriasis:

• Dissertation or Thesis # 102200 : "Autism and Figurative Language"

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