Period 5 Scott Kim Peter Luong Hypochondriasis Period 5 Scott Kim Peter Luong

Case Study A 45-year-old white male engineer presents to a primary care clinic armed with multiple internet searches on the topic of cancer. He states that he “just knows” he has a GI cancer, "probably the colon or maybe the pancreas."

Definition excessive preoccupation or worry about having a serious illness.

Causes The media and the Internet often contribute to hypochondria, as articles, TV shows and advertisements regarding serious illnesses such as cancer and multiple sclerosis (some of the diseases hypochondriacs commonly think they have).

Treatment Psychological counseling Education about hypochondria Medications. Certain antidepressant medications. Examples include serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox) and paroxetine (Paxil); and tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine (Anafranil) and imipramine (Tofranil).

Facts Adolf Hitler was a HYPOCHONDRIAC. A person with hypochondria may suffer for months, and even years. 1% to 14% of patients examined for health problems, suffer from Hypochondria.

Reference http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypochondriasis http://www.mastersoftrivia.com/blog/2011/04/10-famous-hypochondriacs/ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypochondria/DS00841/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/290955-overview http://www.bipolarcentral.com/otherillnesses/hypochondria.php