Hypochondria is understood to be excessive and uncontrolled worry about suffering from a serious illness, from the erroneous interpretation of bodily sensations or physical symptoms perceived in the Body. These symptoms do not correspond, however, with any medical condition, which does not satisfy the hypochondriac person who is convinced that he is affected by some disease.
In the following Psychology-Online article we will talk about the origin and maintenance of this disorder, how to treat it clinically and in the family setting and what are the different techniques used to address the problem so that know how to help a hypochondriac.
Index
- Why do you always think you are sick
- How to treat a hypochondriac: management guidelines in Primary Care
- What to do to help a hypochondriac in the family environment
- Techniques to work hypochondria
Why do you always think you are sick.
Hypochondria hides fear. The fear and anxiety
The problem arises when there is apparently no real danger from the fear or anxiety we feel. However, bodily sensations we experience them equally. In these cases, the person is not aware of the fear that underlies these signs and interprets them as causes of a serious illness. From here, he becomes hypervigilant with two negative consequences that fuel his hypochondria:
- On the one hand, his hypervigilance leads you to pay attention only to these signals, without taking into account those that may rule out your illness (for example, when you are distracted and not thinking about your problem, symptoms do not appear).
- On the other hand, this irrational control leads him to perceive the least “expected” somatic manifestation, which increases his anxiety. Is anxiety generates new symptoms that confirm to the patient her initial beliefs.
How to treat a hypochondriac: management guidelines in Primary Care.
Primary Care services are the first contact with hypochondriac patients. In order to serve them properly but prevent them from attending excessively, some guidelines are recommended to follow:
1. Establish a "therapeutic relationship" with the patient
A large component of hypochondria has an emotional substrate and a support that provides security and confidence can greatly contribute to the reduction of symptoms. This climate of trust will facilitate, in the event that the symptoms are not reduced, the patient's acceptance of the proposal of a complementary psychological therapy.
2. Schedule appointments
Schedule and agree on a regular appointment calendar that shows our interest in the patient and, at the same time, limits their visits to the health center.
3. Present the functional analysis of the problem
Explain in a respectful way the etiology of their symptoms and their maintenance so that they understand the inner workings of their discomfort.
4. Offer simple techniques
If the client is receptive in this regard, tools can be offered to stop and combat their pathological functioning: Relaxation and breathing techniques, physical exercises of relaxation, etc.
5. Avoid unnecessary interventions
Avoid hospitalizations, unnecessary tests and drugs with addictive potential, if not strictly necessary due to the severity of the symptoms.
6. Psychoeducation of the family
Clarify to the family what attitudes and behaviors (family) favor or diminish their hypochondriacal behavior. In this way, the family can become another point of support and support for the patient. Next we will see how the family can act to help a hypochondriac.
What to do to help a hypochondriac in the family environment.
Family plays an important role in amplifying or reducing symptoms in hypochondriacal patients. Some of the elements that contribute to reducing the patient's anxiety and, with it, their symptoms are:
7. Empathize and validate
Accept that the person really suffers from their disorder and that her physical sensations are real. You are not making it up and it is something that should never be questioned.
8. Try to focus attention on other topics
Leave health / illness issues aside. On some occasions, this can be complicated since the same family context favors hypochondria by having repeated conversations about fears, weaknesses and diseases.
9. Try to prevent unnecessary actions
Prevent visits to unnecessary health centers.
10. Share activities
Carry out tasks and hold positive conversations that allow the patient to have alternative experiences to their negative symptoms to resort to them in moments of distress.
11. Accompany from calm and affection
Offer tranquility and emotional support to the family member in critical moments, which will favor the reduction of symptoms.
Techniques to work hypochondria.
The main objective, according to psychiatrist Vanesa Pastorelli is twofold:
- On the one hand, establish a relationship of trust with the patient so that they feel safe, which will help reduce their symptoms
- Shift the focus of attention: from non-existent medical illness to unconscious psychological causes. From here, look for them, recognize them and accept them as the source of the problem.
There are many possible techniques and treatments to address hypochondriac disorder:
12. Pharmacotherapy
Psychotropic drugs have limited efficacy and are not necessary in all cases.
13. Physical reactivation and physiotherapy
Gradual and progressive exercise programs improve the health and well-being of patients and reduce their symptoms.
14. Relaxation therapies
From breath to progressive muscle relaxation, relaxation techniques help reduce anxiety levels.
15. Behavioral treatment
Through gradual exposure to symptoms and prevention of behaviors of interpretation of physical signals. Here you can see more information about the exposure technique in psychology.
16. Cognitive therapy
It works with the thoughts that generate fears and, with it, the physical manifestations. Modifying negative thoughts for positive ones stops fear and, consequently, symptoms
17. Dynamic psychotherapy
Psychoeducational and support techniques based on introspection to become aware of how the problem originates and maintains and, From there, adopt an attitude of responsibility towards your own health and stop the process by modifying thoughts, emotions and Actions
18. Group psychotherapy
Very useful in these cases as it helps to become aware that hypochondria is real when seen in other people. It helps to know similar cases and have the benefit of group support.
19. Couples and family therapy
Very necessary for the patient's work to be supported by her family context.
20. Mindfulness
The mindfulness It is a meditation technique used to train attention. Your goal is to be able to be fully aware of the present moment, letting go of thoughts about the past and about the future. Precisely hypochondria presents thoughts marked by fear and uncertainty due to the possible presence of a disease in the present or future. Mindfulness can help focus attention to the here and now.
This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to help a hypochondriac, we recommend that you enter our category of Clinical psychology.
Bibliography
- Psicoterapeutas.com. Hypochondria and hypochondriacs. Interview with Dr. Jose Antonio García Higuera.
- Vanesa Pastorelli R. (2011) Psiquiatria.com. 15:61.
- Vidarte Pérez, M.T. (2014). Detection and Management of the Hypochondriac Patient in the Primary Care Nursing Consultation. Nursery grade. University of Navarra.
