HYPOCHONDRIASIS, a medical term, given by the an cients and early physicians to derangements of the abdominal viscera. It is not now used to refer to any actual disease but to a morbid mental symptom which consists in an undue pre-occupa tion in one's own state of health with a tendency to find evidence of disease from insignificant signs. There may arise a settled con viction that disease exists even in their absence. The idea of ill health, however, relates essentially to the internal organs and predominantly to the functioning of the heart, intestinal canal, or genital structures. Such a symptom may occur in many forms of mental illness. It is not infrequently noted in hysterical anxiety and neurasthenic neuroses; in melancholic states, es pecially those of later years; in dementia praecox; and in the initial stages of such organic psychoses as arterio-sclerotic dementia and general paresis.
In some cases hypochondriasis seems to present itself without any other symptom, and though examination reveals no physical abnormality, the assurance of that fact has usually only a tem porary effect on the false belief which may lead to self-centred ness, depression and insomnia.
It is probable that the hypochondriacal type has a greater sensitivity to sensations emanating from the internal organs, is therefore more easily aware of any change that may occur therein, and so more affected by any possible alteration in their func tioning.
Any treatment naturally depends on the associated disease. In its more pure manifestation some form of psychotherapy is indicated, but results are often disappointing. (C. S. R.)