A hypochondriac is someone who is irrationally preoccupied with his body and health. This isn't someone who is concerned about health, but someone who has trouble thinking about anything else. They are so preoccupied with their body that it gets in the way of every day living. All they can think about are their symptoms and what those symptoms may mean, and they spend a great deal of time meeting with doctors.

Hypochondriac is an actual medical diagnosis given when the person spends at least six months obsessed with his health. He may think he is ill when he isn't, or he may imagine he has symptoms that he actually does not have. A hypochondriac doesn't believe it when a doctor tells him he is not sick, or he may only believe it temporarily, but soon goes right back to worry about his health. It is normal to be concerned about your health, but it is not normal to think that every headache is a brain tumor or that chest pains automatically translate into a heart attack.

Like any irrational fear, hypochondria can be treated. The hypochondriac must first realize that his fear is irrational and then take steps to reduce his anxiety. This can be a long process if the person is resistant to change.

Use hypnosis to treat a hypochondriac.