Have you ever wondered whether or not you’re a hypochondriac? Luckily, there are some common hypochondriac symptoms that make it easy to tell if you’re suffering from health anxiety. Here are some of the most common hypochondriac symptoms:
Worrying excessively about one’s health
The most common symptom associated with hypochondria is worrying excessively about one’s health. Many people with hypochondria have a difficult time functioning in their day-to-day lives due to their health preoccupation. This can manifest itself as being worried about upcoming test or scan results, hyperfixating on new signs and symptoms, and worrying after finding out about a new health condition.
Constantly checking for signs of illness
Another one of the most common hypochondriac symptoms is constantly checking for signs of illness. This can appear in many different ways, such as frequently checking one’s temperature, looking for bumps or bruises, or constantly assessing whether or not their key organs (such as their heart, brain, stomach, liver, kidneys, etc.) are functioning normally.
People with hypochondria may also fixate on certain symptoms and believe that they are a sign of a serious illness, even if they are not. For example, someone with hypochondria may be convinced that a headache is a sign of a brain tumor, even though it is not. Or, they may worry that a stomachache is a sign of a stomach ulcer or stomach cancer, even though it may be associated with something they just ate.
Researching health concerns online
Many individuals who struggle with health anxiety (AKA hypochondria) tend to research various health conditions online. This can be a problem because it can lead to that individual convincing themselves that they have a serious illness. This can cause a lot of anxiety and stress, because the individual doesn’t even know if what they are researching is true! It’s always best to get serious medical conditions ruled out by a doctor, but many hypochondriacs feel as if they can’t wait to get answers from a doctor. They feel as if they must research the health concerns themselves, and that utilizing the Internet is the easiest way to do so.
Imagining the worst-case scenario
Hypochondriacs have a very hard time staying positive about their health. Therefore, one of the more common hypochondriac symptoms is imagining the worst-case scenario. If a hypochondriac finds a lump on their body, they automatically assume that it’s cancer. They do this before exploring other, less nefarious options, such as acne, lipomas, skin allergies, for example.
Obsessing over minor health concerns
It’s a known fact: sometimes, people get sick. However, some of these sicknesses are fairly minor, such as: getting a cold, spraining an ankle, or contracting Strep throat. While these sicknesses certainly aren’t fun, they are very common and usually resolve without any major complications happening.
For people struggling with health anxiety, even minor health concerns are a reason for worry and obsession. They might obsess that their cold is going to turn into walking pneumonia, or fear that their sprained ankle is secretly an indicator that they have bone cancer.
Believing that every ache or pain is a sign of a serious illness
Sometimes, bodies just ache. Whether it’s a result of exercising too vigorously, sleeping in the wrong position, or simply getting older…it happens.
But for hypochondriacs, every ache or pain could indicate a serious illness. Some hypochondriacs may opt to avoid activities that could cause aches and pains, simply because they don’t want to worry that it could be caused by a serious illness. However, this could lead to health problems down the road, as being physically active is a pinnacle of staying healthy in one’s later years.
Avoiding medical care out of fear of a diagnosis
You would think that hypochondriacs go to the doctor frequently, and many do! However, there is a subset of individuals suffering from health anxiety that actually avoid going to the doctor. They do this out of fear that their doctor will diagnose them with something serious. However, this can actually be very detrimental to the hypochondriac’s health.
In the event that the hypochondriac has some sort of disease or ailment, they may not be receiving the medical attention they need in a timely manner. This can lead to the worsening of conditions and the development of new ones. It can also lead to a decline in mental and physical health, as well as an increase in anxiety and stress.
Seeking reassurance from others about one’s health
Do you regularly seek out reassurance from others about your health? If so, you may be suffering from health anxiety as this is one of the more common hypochondriac symptoms.
The way in which hypochondriacs seek out reassurance differs from person to person. Some people might prefer to ask their family and friends privately, while others might seek out reassurance on public social media platforms.
The reassurance can range anywhere from asking about whether or not a person has ever experienced a specific symptom, or what they think about a specific symptom you’re experiencing.
If you have three or more of these hypochondriac symptoms, you may be suffering from health anxiety. Luckily, there are ways to make your struggles with hypochondria much easier. Check out some of our recommended articles on how to do just that:
- 10 Proven Ways to Beat Your Hypochondria
- 7 Proven Ways to Beat a Hypochondriac Panic Attack
- 10 Ways to Overcome Your Hypochondriac Upset Stomach
Disclaimer: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.
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.
