What is Hypochondriasis?
6. Who Tends to Become Hypochondriacal?
Illness anxiety disorder affects 2-5% of the population. It affects men and women equally, although it may manifest in different ways in those socialized with rigid gender roles. Men may come across as more aggressive or angry, while women may seem more worried and fearful.
People with a history of trauma or abuse are more likely to develop hypochondriasis as they get older. They seek to take control of their health because they were not able to control what happened to them in the past. Frequent visits to the doctor are their way of reclaiming that control.
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