One
in 25 Australians has hypochondriasis, researchers say, warning the condition is chronic and prevalent.
In what is believed to be the first Australian study of its kind, Monash University researchers found 4.2% of people reported having symptoms of the condition in the previous 12 months.
Analysing results from a 2007 national mental health survey, they also found a 5.7% lifetime prevalence of the condition — defined as worrying about serious illness for six months or more, despite reassurance from a doctor.
The figures, due to be presented at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists congress in Auckland this week, showed hypochondriasis was a chronic disorder, lead researcher Professor David Clarke said.
“Most people who have had...
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