Hypochondriasis Definition & Overview

Definition

Hypochondria is a psychological disorder. It is often chronic, and a person with hypochondria is often very anxious about his health. A hypochondriac fears that a real or imagined minor physical symptom is a sign of serious illness. Even when several doctors assure her otherwise, a hypochondriac is convinced that she has a serious disease. Psychiatric counseling and medications can relieve some, if not all, of the anxiety and suffering. But left untreated, hypochondria can be debilitating and affect daily function.