Hypochondriac

Hypochondriac: Striking False Beliefs

False Beliefs sustained despite contrary evidence

Hypochondria: Excessive preoccupation or worry about having serious illness

Hypochondria

Hypochondria Case Studies 

Dr. Preeti Chhabria, consultant, Internal Medicine and Geriatrics.

Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital. 

Chhabria has come across several patients who decided to play doctor 

Patients overdosed on medicines that weren’t meant for them. 

“I have had a diabetic patient who was self-medicating on pain medications, which led to 

Kidney damage. 

Then, there have been some who take antibiotics frivolously, which causes 

Antibiotic induced serious diarrhoea called C. Difficile colitis,” says Chhabria. 

She cautions that prolonged reliance on pain medications such as ibuprofen and diclofenac can lead to 

Kidney damage

“Cough and cold medications can provoke anxiety, high blood pressure and palpitations”. 

 Dr Alan Soares, a general physician who consults at Seven Hills Hospital in Mumbai. Given the nature of the condition, hypochondriacs are firm on the belief that they are afflicted by a condition that needs medical attention. But what happens when a doctor dispels their notion and tries to assure them that they are absolutely fine? “They go doctor shopping, as they are not satisfied with one doctor’s opinion.

Snapshot