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Hypochondria Panic fear of bad diseases
There are people who dramatize even their smallest woes and often suspect a serious illness behind it. People often react with incomprehension. But if you are afraid of bad conditions, you should visit a doctor and best keep calm.
Fear of dangerous diseases
Unlike other people, hypochondriacs tend to respond to stress or other stress with physical symptoms such as palpitations, heart-stomping, or sweating. Such symptoms are strongly perceived by persons with this disorder. In addition, the fear of bad diseases is added in hypochondria. Affected then ask, for example, if the dark spot on the arm skin cancer? Or where does the sting in the side come from? Why do I have such a bad headache? Older people, in particular, are often said to tend to listen more, to accurately perceive changes in their bodies, and to dramatize unpleasant sensations. Is that true? And where does that come from??
Many people live in constant fear of serious illnesses, which is often misunderstood by their fellow human beings. (Image: MarcoBagnoli Elflaco / fotolia.com) Seniors are getting more involved in their suffering?
Prof. Frieder R. Lang from the Friedrich Alexander University in Erlangen explained in a message of the dpa news agency that he can not confirm the common prejudice that senior citizens are more into their sufferings than other age groups. However, the expert notes with concern that older people who are afraid of dementia "often overreact". And that fear is indeed widespread. Just a few months ago, a survey by DAK Gesundheit showed that every second person in Germany is afraid of dementia. The psychogerontologist finds it questionable when such fears suddenly overshadow everything.
Meaningful tasks for the elderly
However, not everyone has to fear sickness just because he often complains about physical complaints. "The emphasis on emphasizing symptoms can also call for attention," explained Ursula Lenz of the Federal Association of Senior Citizens Organizations (BAGSO). It is said that many physicians have reported elderly patients who regularly come to ambulances and medical offices, even though they are not seriously ill - simply because they are looking for a contact person. "Here it is important to break the passive life situation," says Lenz. The expert advises seniors who no longer feel properly perceived to look for a task that is meaningful and fun. Grandparents could offer their help in everyday life or visit someone regularly in the home. To make new contacts are recommended gymnastics or hiking groups or a volunteer activity.
Illnesses circulate about diseases
Prof. Lang recommends that people who are afraid of certain illnesses talk to an expert about it. And also for the reason that there were many misconceptions about diseases, especially concerning the early symptoms of dementia. "If you have the right knowledge, you can seek specialist medical help quickly and in a timely manner, and find out about things that may be reassuring," said the psychogerontologist. Focusing on the symptoms and at the same time being afraid of evil in the body, then the symptoms rise. This can also be confirmed by Gaby Bleichhardt, who is researching the topic of disease anxiety at the Philipps University of Marburg. In the dpa report, the psychotherapist explained that the causes of anxiety are multifaceted and often biographical: "Many sufferers had anxious parents and therefore tend to always assume the worst. Often in their history, illness has played a special role, for example, that your best friend died prematurely from breast cancer, or that she herself had once been misdiagnosed. "
Usually no expression of severe physical illnesses
It advises disease anxieties of all ages, to observe physical processes, thoughts and feelings first and to try to establish connections. As the therapist explained, most physical ailments are not expressions of severe physical illness, but harmless signs that the body is "alive." Anyone who is afraid should let complaints clarify medical information, according to Bleichhardt. However, if one wants to repeat the same examination several times, although nothing suspicious has been found in the previous times, this could be a sign that the diagnosis of a hypochondriacal disorder is present.
Psychotherapy and relaxation exercises can help
Unfortunately, jokes are made about hypochondriacs who are getting into their suffering. The victims really suffer. Not because of the illness they attribute to themselves, but because of the fear and its consequences. Bleichhardt recommends that people who have been suffering from this fear for more than half a year and whose general way of life is severely impaired should seek psychotherapy. Patients learn to better understand their physical processes and better manage their fears. Above all, a cognitive behavioral therapy is very effective. In addition, in hypochondria, various stress-relieving exercises and techniques such as yoga, autogenic exercise, or progressive muscle relaxation may be helpful in reducing physical and mental stress. (Ad)