Can Hypochondria Cause Physical Symptoms?

Posted on Tue, 17 Nov 2015

Question: Can hypochondia cause physical symtoms?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
yes it can

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

Hydrocodone is an opiate drug used for pain management. It can cause some side effects depending upon dose and duration for which it is taken.

Nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, or drowsiness are common symptoms/side effects.

Please provide more information.

- Since when, in which dose and for which purpose are you taking hydrocodone?

- What symptoms do you have?

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (4 hours later)

Hypochondria. Health anxiety disorder. I started having twitching a 2 weeks ago and I went to the doctors and she said my blood looked fine and sent me to a neurologist which my appointment is in 12 days. Ever since i have went to my gp i have had back pain footpain that has niw went away. I though I had Als then AS then a spinal tumor, then a brain tumor then while eating yesterday my jaw cracked and i am thinking I have TMj or TMD. I feel like my left jaw is noving out of place? Can health anxiety cause these physical symptoms? I truely believe my jaw is out of its socket but it is not painful. Sould i see psycistrist or some other mental health orofessional before my nuerolgist appointment in 12 days to see if that solves my symptoms?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
no serious problem is likely there

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

First of all I am extremely sorry for misreading. Actually when I was answering your question one question mentioning hydrocodone was also there.

Hypochondriasis - Illness anxiety disorder is diagnosed with following points.(for your information)

- Preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness.
- Somatic symptoms are not present or, if present, are only mild in intensity. If another medical condition is present or there is a high risk for developing a medical condition(e.g., strong family history is present), the preoccupation is clearly excessive or disproportionate.
- There is a high level of anxiety about health, and the individual is easily alarmed about personal health status.
- The individual performs excessive health-related behaviors (e.g., repeatedly checks his or her body for signs of illness).
- Illness preoccupation has been present for at least 6 months, but the specific illness that is feared may change over that period of time.

Now coming to your complaints.

Your symptoms of twitching, back pain, foot pain, jaw cracked are not related to each other and not suggesting any specific physical problem. They also come and go fast. These are likely due to anxiety. Jaw cracking (a cracking sound during movement of jaw) is almost normal phenomena. If there is dislocation of TM joint there should be severe pain with difficulty in speaking.

Likely possibility of inappropriate health concern is there. As symptoms are there since only 2-3 weeks and check-up done until now is normal there is no possibility of any serious problem. However you had already got an appointment of neurologist. I think no need to consult anyone before. When your neurologist will rule out physical problem you need to assure yourself that there is nothing except anxiety. If you can be normal with assurance of normal medical/neurological check-up it is good. However if you cannot come out of your health concern consulting a psychiatrist will help.

Feel free to discuss further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (2 hours later)

Okay it has got to the point it isaffecting my life. Many people in my famiky have told me i have health anxiety and should talk to someone. This is not the first occurence I am always fearing having a deadly disease or dying. It has got to the point I have not been to University in 4 days because In my mind I was serioussly ill. I am starting to realize this may be a problem as I have had this happening on and off for several years. Should I contact a psyciatrist or psycologist? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes than you should consult psychiatrist

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for clarification about duration of your problem and history according to relative.

Consulting psychiatrist will help.

In treatment medicines and psychotherapy both will be used.

All the best.

If still any query there, I will be happy to answer. If not, you can close the discussion and if feasible give your feedback and rating so I can improve my service. In future you can contact me directly on this site if you wish with this link:
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by clicking on 'Ask me a question' on same page.

Wish you good health and early stability.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (13 minutes later)

Okay one last question then i will accept and give you feedback. Can this conditon cause physical your lymph nodes to swell? I have a small lump on the back left side of my head and it is tender. Have i brought this on myself possibly from anxiety about brain tumors?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No anxiety cannot cause swelling

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

No, anxiety cannot cause lymph nodes to swell. However considering your history it is possible that it is normal lymph node/muscle swelling and your anxiety makes it feel tender.

Do not hesitate to ask if you have any doubt yet.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar