In daily life, we can see two groups of people with vastly different attitudes towards diseases: some people always doubt that they are sick, especially elderly people who have more leisure time after retirement. As soon as they see popular science about a certain disease, they correspond its various symptoms to their own situation one by one, and the more they look at it, the more convinced they become that they are sick, and they wish they could go to the hospital every day; Some people get nervous when they see the "white coat" and attribute all their symptoms to fatigue, and do not go to the hospital unless absolutely necessary.
From the perspective of doctors with rich experience in observation, hearing, questioning, and observation, the facial expressions, language, and behavior exhibited by many patients often reflect their physical and mental health status. For those who always suspect that they have a disease and have changed hospitals or departments multiple times for treatment, it may be due to a "suspicion disorder".
True illness or false illness
Comprehensive evaluation is required
Doubtful illness disorder is a mental disorder characterized by the fear or belief that one has one or more serious physical illnesses and a persistent sense of pre occupation. Patients with hypochondriacal disorders will seek medical attention repeatedly, even though repeated medical tests and doctor's examinations have not shown evidence of the corresponding disease, their concerns cannot be dispelled. They are often accompanied by anxiety or depression. For this type of patient, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish whether the symptoms are caused by psychological factors or the hidden and leaked "horse foot" of the disease.
Physical discomfort caused by psychological factors often results in strong subjective feelings, such as anxiety, depression, fear, and other emotional symptoms, as well as behavioral changes resulting from them, such as insomnia and loss of appetite. These symptoms usually do not cause organic lesions. The symptoms may be good or bad, greatly influenced by factors such as emotions and environment, and the duration can be long or short.
At the same time, patients often do not have significant changes in physical signs, and laboratory tests (such as blood tests, urine tests, etc.) and imaging examinations (such as X-rays, CT, MRI, etc.) can provide objective evidence to exclude the presence of diseases. Such patients can be assessed by professional psychiatrists through psychological scales, psychological interviews, and other methods to determine whether they have psychological problems.
If it's a 'heart disease'
Why does it improve as soon as I go to the hospital?
Many patients with suspected illness disorders will experience some relief in their physiological symptoms once they go to the hospital. For most people, whether it is a physical or mental illness, seeking medical treatment is a process of psychological healing. This process not only involves physiological treatment, but also profoundly affects the patient's psychological state.
During the process of seeking medical treatment, the doctor's professional attitude, patient listening and explanation of the condition, and steady implementation of the treatment plan can provide emotional support and comfort to patients, helping to alleviate their tension and enhance their courage and confidence in facing the disease.
The professional opinions and popular science knowledge of doctors help patients establish a correct understanding of the disease, so that they can face and receive treatment more rationally. The formulation and steady implementation of treatment plans provide hope for patients to recover their health. This hope can stimulate patients' intrinsic motivation, encourage them to cooperate more actively with treatment, and enhance their confidence in overcoming the disease.
The medical process also provides patients with an opportunity to re-examine themselves, prompting them to think about how to adjust their lifestyle, improve their health status, and achieve self growth and transformation in this process.
Avoiding illness and seeking medical treatment
Originating from the fear of getting sick
In contrast to patients with hypochondriacal disorders, some people are unwilling to believe that they are sick even if they experience discomfort symptoms. They think that going to the hospital requires a check-up, and even if they are not sick, they will still be diagnosed, which makes them very resistant to medical treatment and physical examinations. This resistance may involve various psychological disorders or states.
Anxiety and fear are common psychological states in patients who resist medical treatment and physical examinations. Patients may be afraid to learn that they have a serious illness, worried that the physical examination results will bring negative news, or fearful of the hospital environment and medical process itself. This fear and anxiety may reach pathological levels, even reaching the diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder.
For such patients, it is recommended to receive comprehensive treatment such as medication and psychological therapy. Some people with mental illnesses often feel ashamed and embarrassed due to misunderstandings and social prejudices about the disease. They are afraid of being labeled as' crazy ', so they are unwilling to admit their condition, let alone go to the hospital for treatment and physical examination.
For such patients, in addition to receiving necessary medication treatment, psychological therapy should also be emphasized. In addition, there are many chronic diseases that not only affect patients' physical health for a long time, but also gradually break down the psychological defenses of patients and their families due to recurrent symptoms, especially for "acute" patients.
How should we face diseases squarely
How about living in harmony with illness?
Firstly, it is necessary to accept the reality of illness. Patients should learn as much as possible about the relevant knowledge of the disease, which can help them better understand and cope with the disease, and reduce unnecessary panic.
Secondly, once diagnosed with a disease, patients should actively seek the help of professional doctors, cooperate with treatment, maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, which is crucial for the recovery of the disease.
Thirdly, patients should share their feelings with family and friends more often to gain their support and understanding, which can also help them better cope with the disease.
Fourthly, if you feel particularly difficult or helpless when facing a disease, you can seek the help of professional psychologists. Their targeted psychological support and intervention can help patients better cope with the psychological pressure brought by the disease.
It is recommended that family members and friends who serve as strong support for patients communicate and interact with them more, understand their concerns and difficulties, and provide them with understanding and support.