hypochondria

/ˈhaɪpəˌkɑndriə/

Other forms: hypochondrias

Hypochondria is an abnormal anxiety about your health. If you are constantly worried that you have a grave illness, you might be suffering from hypochondria.

Hypochondria comes from the Greek hupo meaning "under" and khondros meaning "sternal cartilage." This refers to the soft space under the ribs where the liver, gallbladder and spleen are located. Long ago, people believed that melancholy or sadness came from these organs. A person with hypochondria is convinced that her minor symptoms are signs of a more serious illness. Often hypochondriacs become paranoid about their health — either visiting doctors a lot or avoiding them altogether out of fear.

Definitions of hypochondria

1. noun

   chronic and abnormal anxiety about imaginary symptoms and ailments
   synonyms: hypochondriasis

   type of:

   anxiety, anxiousness

   (psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic