Hypochondriacs often fear that they suffer from a serious illness, seeing symptoms that are not there and even after a medical professional has cleared them, still believe the serious illness or even death loom nearby. This condition takes over an individual and makes it difficult to lead a normal life. There are ways to overcome hypochondria and help treat those who suffer from it.
Instructions
1. Visit the doctor. Yes, it sounds like the exact opposite of what they should do, but a medical doctor needs to rule out any serious illness and take a complete physical and mental examination to see if the patient's anxiety about their health is serious enough to diagnose as hypochondria.
2. Realize there is something medically wrong with the patient; it's just not what they feared. A form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, hypochondria is a treatable medical condition and without treatment, the symptoms will continue and possibly get worse.
3. Find a physician that clicks well with the patient. Although the patient will likely deny any diagnosis of hypochondria from any physician, finding one who is calm, patient and has a good bedside manner can help the patient in accepting the diagnosis and treat the problem.
4. Try medications that lessen the anxiety about the patient's health. There are several medications on the market and what works for one person can actually increase the anxiety and symptoms in another. A doctor will find the correct medication and dosage, but if one doesn't work, don't give up. Stay under close supervision by a physician and continue to try medications until you find one that works best to treat the hypochondria.
5. Join a support group for OCD patients. Although there are numerous forms of OCD, they all have the same anxiety basis. A support group offers a place to speak freely without judgment, and patients can share tips on treat and deal with their disorder.
Tags: serious illness, anxiety about, suffer from, support group, what they, with patient
