Many suffer silently from debilitating health anxiety disorder

Research has found that individuals diagnosed with hypochondriasis, now known as illness anxiety disorder or health anxiety, are at a higher risk of dying earlier than those who are not afflicted with the condition. This rare condition causes sufferers to experience persistent and excessive worry about their health, despite normal physical examinations and lab tests. People with hypochondriasis often change doctors frequently or avoid medical care altogether, as they struggle to shake off their fears.

Dr. Jonathan E Alpert from the Montefiore Medical Centre in New York explained that many of us may experience mild hypochondriac tendencies, but there are others who live with a perpetual state of worry and suffering about having a serious illness. “It’s important to take it seriously and to treat it,” said Dr. Alpert, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the condition.

The study, published in Jama Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 24 years and found that individuals with hypochondriasis have an increased risk of death from both natural and unnatural causes, particularly suicide. The researchers suggested that chronic stress and its impact on the body could explain some of the difference.

The study also found that the risk of suicide death was four times higher for individuals with hypochondriasis. In addition, the overall death rates were higher in this group, with a mean age of 70 compared to 75 for those not afflicted with the condition. The risk of death from circulatory and respiratory diseases was higher, but the risk of death from cancer was about the same.

Dr. David Mataix-Cols of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, who led the research, noted that the findings were unexpected, as older research had suggested that people with hypochondriasis might have a lower risk of suicide. Dr. Alpert, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the importance of referring excessively anxious patients to mental health professionals, acknowledging that patients may be offended by such referrals.

However, Dr. Alpert also emphasized that there are effective treatments available, including cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, education, and antidepressants. He advised that it is crucial to take hypochondriasis seriously and to treat it with respect and sensitivity, understanding that it is a legitimate condition that warrants treatment.