Hypochondria, or more accurately referred to as hypochondriacal disorder, is a mental disorder characterized by a persistent, unfounded fear for one’s health. Those affected are in constant worry that they have a serious illness that has yet to be diagnosed. They scrutinize their bodies for symptoms of this illness and interpret any irregularity, no matter how minor, as a sign of that disease. They are highly prone to self-suggestion and attributing symptoms to themselves that are not clinically present.

Characteristic of hypochondriacal disorder are the constant examinations of one’s body and self-diagnosis. The tormenting fear may temporarily subside after consulting a doctor or a close person who reassures them that they are completely healthy; however, the fear returns with the conviction that the illness has gone undiagnosed and continues to progress.

The condition can become a severe psychological burden and significantly worsen the emotional state of those affected. The stress it causes can be extremely distressing. Each time a hypochondriac hears about a particular illness, they begin to identify its symptoms within themselves.

Hypochondriacal disorder is a type of somatoform disorder. This refers to a group of conditions characterized by the presence of somatic (physical) symptoms that arise from a mental disorder.