Hypochondria

Hypochondria (sometimes hypochondriasis) is a somatoform disorder in which one has the unfounded belief that he or she is suffering from a serious illness. Hypochondria is often associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety, and can also be brought on by stress.

Hypochondria was originally a term used for unidentifiable stomach pains that were a common concern in the ancient world. It was thought by ancient Greek physicians that such pains were caused by movement of the spleen, an organ located in the hypochondrium (the part of the abdomen located under (hypo) the ribs (chond). During the 19th century the term evolved to be the male counterpart to hysteria.

There is some evidence that antidepressants can alleviate severe hypochondria.

Hypochondria is sometimes called health anxiety or health phobia.