If you are a hypochondriac or suffer from hypochondria, you’ve likely worried about your fair share of physical symptoms. While every hypochondriac is different, there are some common hypochondriac physical symptoms that many or most hypochondriacs will worry about at some point in their lives. If you’ve experienced any worries about any of these physical symptoms, you are not alone!
Please note: it’s imperative that you have these symptoms checked out by a doctor to rule out anything more serious. Once you have visited a doctor or other medical professional, and they say that you’re healthy, you can consider these symptoms as extensions of your hypochondria. But what symptoms should you look out for?
So, without further ado, here are the twelve most common hypochondriac physical symptoms:
Pain
It goes without saying that hypochondriacs are quite bewildered by pain. Pain can oftentimes signal that something is wrong, and hypochondriacs usually tend to think that pain means the worst! Whether a hypochondriac feels pain somewhere on the inside of their body, or the outside of their body, this tends to be one of the most common hypochondriac physical symptoms that make those who suffer from illness anxiety disorder worry the most.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of hypochondria. It is also one of the most difficult to manage, as it can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety. Fatigue can be both physical and mental, and can make it difficult to concentrate or complete simple tasks. Many hypochondriacs worry about fatigue, because it can be a symptom of some very serious and life-threatening diseases. It’s also very hard to pinpoint the exact cause of fatigue, which is why many hypochondriacs worry about it so much. However, it’s also important to note that fatigue can be the result of conditions that are not harmful, such as not sleeping enough, not drinking enough water, or switching medications.
Headache
Many hypochondriacs worry about headaches because they are afraid that it is the sign of a brain tumor. The headaches that hypochondriacs get can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain to a throbbing sensation. There are many possible causes of headaches, including tension, stress, eyestrain, sinusitis, and migraine. But in a hypochondriac, the cause is usually unknown. Headaches can often become exacerbated when somebody is stressed or anxious, which can lead to a vicious cycle for hypochondriacs.
Nausea
Nausea is one of the most common symptoms of hypochondria. It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as anxiety, dizziness, and headaches. Nausea can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, and certain medications. However, many hypochondriacs think that nausea is the sign of something serious, such as stomach cancer, throat cancer, or some other serious illness.
Dizziness
Dizziness is a common hypochondriac physical symptom. It is characterized by a feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness, and can often be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Dizziness can be caused by a variety of factors, including dehydration, low blood sugar, or an underlying medical condition. Treatment for dizziness typically includes drinking plenty of fluids, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding trigger foods or beverages. Some hypochondriacs get dizzy as a result of being anxious, which can oftentimes worsen the anxiety.
Lightheadedness
One of the most common hypochondriac symptoms is lightheadedness. This symptom can be caused by a variety of things, ranging from anxiety to dehydration. If the cause is anxiety, relaxation techniques may help. Or, if it is dehydration, increasing fluid intake is the most important step. If the the lightheadedness is from an underlying medical condition, treatment will depend on the condition itself. Regardless of the cause, lightheadedness is a common hypochondriac physical symptom.
Chest pain
One of the most common symptoms of hypochondria is chest pain. This can be due to a number of different things, such as anxiety, stress, or even heartburn. However, hypochondriacs often think that chest pain is due to heart failure, heart disease, or having a heart attack. The more that hypochondriacs worry about their chest pain, the more likely they are to feel their chest pain.
Shortness of breath
One of the most common hypochondriac symptoms is shortness of breath. This can be caused by a number of things, including anxiety. If your shortness of breath is due to hypochondriac anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help ease your symptoms. First, make sure you’re getting enough exercise. Even just a short walk every day can help increase your lung capacity and ease your shortness of breath. If you’re a smoker, quitting is also essential for improving your breathing. You might also want to try some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help calm your anxiety and ease your shortness of breath.
Palpitations
Palpitations are one of the most common symptoms of hypochondria. This is because when people are worried about their health, they tend to focus on their heart and any unusual sensations they feel. Palpitations can feel like your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering, or pounding. They can be mild or severe, and they can last for a few seconds or minutes. If you have palpitations, you may also have other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, or dizziness. If you are a hypochondriac who suffers from palpitations, try to focus on relaxing so you can reduce them. But, just know that this can be normal for a hypochondriac.
Sweating
One of the most common hypochondriac physical symptoms is sweating. Many hypochondriacs worry that sweating is a sign of having a heart attack or another type of medical emergency. Sweating is just one of the many symptoms of being a hypochondriac, but it’s one of the most common. When people are anxious, they tend to sweat, which is why it’s such a common physical symptom for hypochondriacs.
Tremors
Tremors are one of the most common symptoms of hypochondria. They are often caused by anxiety and can be very debilitating. Many people with hypochondria find that their tremors make it difficult to do everyday activities, such as cooking or driving. If you are experiencing tremors from hypochondria, remind yourself that this is a common symptom. The more you normalize the symptoms for yourself, the less anxious you will get about them.
Anxiety
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common hypochondriac symptoms. People who are hypochondriacs are usually worried about their health and well-being. They may have a lot of anxiety about their health and may even be depressed about it. Hypochondriacs may also have a lot of physical symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems – all of which can also be results of anxiety.
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If you are currently experiencing medical concerns, it’s important to talk to a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. HypochondriacHQ does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this website.