Hypochondriacal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🤒
hypochondriacal
[ˌhaɪ.pəˈkɒn.drɪ.æk.əl ]
Definition
medical condition
Hypochondriacal refers to an excessive preoccupation with having a serious illness or concern about one's health. Individuals who display hypochondriacal tendencies often misinterpret benign bodily sensations as signs of severe medical conditions. This behavior can contribute to undue stress and anxiety, impacting their daily life and overall well-being. It is important for those experiencing such feelings to seek appropriate psychological support to address their concerns.
Synonyms
anxious, health-obsessed, neurotic.
Examples of usage
- He became hypochondriacal after reading about diseases online.
- Her hypochondriacal tendencies made it difficult for her to enjoy life.
- Despite numerous tests showing otherwise, he remained hypochondriacal.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Hypochondriasis is classified as a mental health disorder that impacts how a person perceives physical health.
- It can stem from anxiety and emotional distress, leading individuals to misinterpret normal bodily sensations as signs of serious conditions.
Pop Culture
- Many films and books feature characters who are hypochondriacal, often played for humor, highlighting irrational fears of illness.
- In the television series 'House', the main character often encounters patients whose symptoms stem from hypochondriacal beliefs.
Medical Perspective
- Doctors often use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals manage hypochondriacal fears and improve their quality of life.
- This condition can lead to unnecessary medical visits, tests, and treatments that can become burdensome.
Sociocultural Factors
- Stigmatization of mental health issues can prevent hypochondriacal individuals from seeking help, viewing their concerns as trivial.
- In modern society, access to health information can amplify fears, making individuals more aware of potential ailments.
Origin of 'hypochondriacal'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'hypochondrium', meaning 'under the cartilage', which referred to the area under the ribs where people once thought illnesses resided.
- The word 'hypochondriac' was first used in the 17th century to describe people overly concerned with their health.
The term 'hypochondriacal' is rooted in the concept of 'hypochondria,' which derives from the Greek word 'hypokhondria,' meaning 'under the cartilage' (where the liver and spleen are situated). In ancient medical thought, it was believed that issues in this area of the body were linked to mental disturbances. The notion of hypochondria evolved through the ages, becoming associated with an imbalance in the body's humors and a tendency to worry excessively about health. By the 19th century, 'hypochondria' began to be used to describe patients who constantly feared they were ill despite a lack of medical evidence. Today, the term hypochondriacal is often used to describe the emotional and mental state of those who are excessively anxious about their health.