What is Hypochondriasis?
3. What Are the Possible Complications of Hypochondriasis?
On its own, hypochondriasis is not life-threatening. If it goes unchecked, however, it can lead to depression and even thoughts of suicide, particularly if the person feels abandoned by family members who are tired of dealing with the compulsive behavior. Those with the condition may become withdrawn, hiding their thoughts from everyone until it’s too late.
Increased frequency of medical tests to find an illness that doesn’t exist can have physical ramifications. If, for example, people have blood drawn on a regular basis, the lightheaded feeling they experience afterwards can compound their fears that something is wrong with them. Excessive tests take a real toll on the body, and this effect feeds their faulty perceptions.
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