Hypochondriacs have a higher risk of death

About five to ten percent of people are ‘everyday hypochondriacs’. They imagine symptoms and diseases that don’t even exist. Usually this is not a cause for concern. The situation is different with true, clinical hypochondriasis – also called hypochondriacal disorder. Very few people suffer from this, but they are seriously mentally ill. Patients not only discover symptoms, but also fear that they will die, for example from cancer or heart disease.

But are people who suffer from hypochondria actually more at risk of becoming seriously ill or dying? Researchers from Sweden and Denmark have investigated this question. They observed more than 40,000 people over twenty years; approximately 4,000 of them had previously been diagnosed with hypochondria.

The result of the study: during the reporting period, 268 people diagnosed with hypochondriasis and 1,761 people from the control group died. The mortality rate in the first group was therefore considerably higher. Specifically, the risk of death in hypochondria patients was increased by 84 percent.

People who worry too much about their health die earlier than others. This seems paradoxical, since it can be assumed that people who are constantly worried about their health do not miss any signs of illness and generally visit the doctor more often.

But one thing is certain: hypochondria is often accompanied by other health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases or chronic anxiety disorders and depression. Even with these findings, other studies have already shown a higher risk of death.

According to the researchers, it is likely “that several interacting factors here are related to the increased risks.” The constant stress of hypochondria could also promote immune deficiencies and chronic inflammation. Lifestyle factors such as the consumption of alcohol or other unhealthy substances should also be taken into account.

In any case, it seemed clear that the risk of death by suicide in hypochondriacs was fourfold. “Physicians should be aware that people with hypochondria are at risk for suicide, especially if they have a lifelong history of depression and anxiety,” the researchers concluded.

“Dismissing these people’s somatic symptoms as imaginary” could have serious consequences.

Illness anxiety disorder is treatable. Behavioral therapy is mainly used. Patients can learn to deal with the symptoms of anxiety. Family members are often involved. In some cases, taking antidepressants also helps.