Hypochondria Research Papers

Hypochondria is one of the least studied mental disorders known to physicians and psychologists. Although hypochondria is common, it is very difficult to diagnose and treat effectively. Hypochondria has been always linked to melancholia. Hypochondria was first associated with real physical problems and depression by Galen of Pergamon (II centuries A.D.). Patients were seen as having anxiety that was the cause of stomach problems and a dire need to reflect on their illness over and over again. In 1621 Robert Burton published his book “The Anatomy of Melancholy”, where he explained hypochondriacal melancholy. Interestingly, the understanding of hypochondria had not changed much since then. Burton gave alleviation and hope to people suffering from hypochondria using sound advice and sincere concern for those who claimed illness. In the 17th and 18th centuries, hypochondria came into fashion among the upper and middle class. The Renaissance helped develop the image of the ailing artist who was a bit weird and odd with claims of illness and mental torture. However, in the 19th Century hypochondria was classified as a mental disorder and fell out of fashion. Moreover, hypochondria was no longer discussed in the scientific circles until the time of Sigmund Freud. Freud declared that as the symptoms could not be treated by a physician and psychoanalysis failed to find any hidden past explanations of hypochondria, it was of little interest to doctors of the body or mind. Thus, hypochondria has remained a low priority of mental disorders that are little understood in the medical and private sector.