What is a Hypochondriac? WRITING

Transcription

1 What is a Hypochondriac? WRITING

2 Content Hypochondriacs convince themselves of serious medical illness at even the smallest of symptoms. This text delves into the story of hypochondriacs in the physical and mental aspects. Learning Outcomes Read about the physical and mental aspects of hypochondriacs Learn some medical vocabulary Share your opinion on this topic 1

3 What is a hypochondriac? Imagine your nose is runny, your eyes watery, you have a fever, you re coughing and your body aches. Most people know these are common symptoms for a cold and in severe cases, the flu. For a hypochondriac, these symptoms can mean cancer, heart failure and eventually, death. 2

4 Hypochondriasis or hypochondria refers to worry about having a serious illness. It is considered a psychosomatic disorder, as in a mental illness with physical symptoms. This debilitating condition is the result of an inaccurate perception of the condition of body or mind despite the absence of an actual medical condition. 3

5 A person suffering from hypochondriasis is known as a hypochondriac. Hypochondriacs become unduly alarmed about any physical or psychological symptoms they detect, no matter how minor the symptom may be, and are convinced that they have, or are about to be diagnosed with, a serious illness. 4

6 Often, hypochondria persists even after a physician has evaluated a person and reassured them that their concerns about symptoms do not have an underlying medical basis or, if there is a medical illness, their concerns are far in excess of what is appropriate for the level of disease. 5

7 Hypochondriasis manifests in many ways. Many hypochondriacs focus on a particular symptom as the catalyst of their worrying. Some people have numerous intrusive thoughts and physical sensations that push them to check with family, friends, and physicians. 6

8 For example, a person who has a minor cough may think that they have tuberculosis. Or sounds produced by organs in the body, such as those made by the intestines, might be seen as a sign of a very serious illness to patients dealing with hypochondriasis. 7

9 On top of that, many hypochondriacs express doubt and disbelief in the doctors' diagnosis, and report that doctors reassurance about an absence of a serious medical condition is unconvincing, or short-lasting. Additionally, many hypochondriacs have elevated blood pressure, stress, and anxiety in the presence of doctors or while occupying a medical facility. 8

10 Other people are so afraid of any reminder of illness that they will avoid medical professionals for a seemingly minor problem, sometimes to the point of becoming neglectful of their health when a serious condition may exist and go undiagnosed. Others live in despair and depression, certain that they have a lifethreatening disease and no physician can help them. 9

11 Patients with hypochondriasis often are not aware that depression and anxiety produce their own physical symptoms, and mistake these symptoms for manifestations of another mental or physical disorder or disease. 10

12 Common to the different approaches to the treatment of hypochondriasis is the effort to help each patient find a better way to overcome the way his/her medically unexplained symptoms and illness concerns rule her/his life. 11

13 1) Runny 2) Watery 3) Ache 4) Symptom 5) Heart failure 11) Intrusive 12) Underlying 13) Extensive 14) Presence 6) Debilitating 7) Perception 8) Absence 9) Hypochondriac 10) Unduly 12

14 Disease Catalyst Reminder Concern Despair Disbelief Facility Manifestations Psychosomatic Disorder Neglectful Undiagnosed Seemingly Tight-fisted 13

15 To ache To reassure To fail To manifest To be alarmed To overcome To persist To concern 14

16 Write down any other words you have doubts about 15

17 Writing Write one sentence that summarizes the text you read. 16

18 What is a hypochondriac? 1. To be alarmed Hypchondriacs are alarmed by symptoms such as muscle pain. 2. Disbelief These patients are in disbelief that their doctors are telling them the truth. 3. Facility Many hypochondriacs are very anxious in medical facilities 4. Undiagnosed Because some hypochondriacs don t go to the doctor, when they actually are sick, they may be undiagnosed. Hypochondriasis is a disorder of perception and cognition. 17

19 Writing Write 10 keywords or phrases from the text you just read

20 Writing Use the 10 key words and phrases you collected in the previous slide to write a well rounded summary of the text. Include the new vocabulary. 19

21 Writing True or False Medical facilities are where hypochondriacs feel safer because they can get treated in case of an emergency. a) True b) False Some hypochondriacs will avoid medical professionals and a serious condition may go undiagnosed. a) True b) False Hypochondriasis is rarely accompanied by other psychological disorders. It usally happens without links to depression or phobias. a) True b) False 20

22 Speaking Create a dialogue between a hypochondriac that is sure he has lung cancer and his fight against a doctor. 21

23 Speaking Open-ended questions: answer in paragraph form 1) What kind ot treatment is common for hypochondriasis? 2) Why do you think hypochondriasis goes hand in hand with other psychological disorders? 3) Why is it a debilitating condition? 4) How do you think hypochondiasis affects a patient s life? 5) Why is it considered a psychosomatic disorder? 22